Musa hails Wasatiyyah in spurring progress

Relaying accurate information in a comprehensive manner is important to ensure that the government’s noble intention of building a united and progressive Malaysian nation is understood, appreciated and received the support of all walks of life.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said this at the closing ceremony of the Sabah State-level “Wasatiyyah” and 1Malaysia 2012 Seminar held at the Saadah Hall, Wisma Muis here yesterday.
The seminar on “Wasatiyyah” emphasised on the principle of moderation in Islam based on fairness, moderation, equality and in achieving excellence.

It also stressed upon the people to be outstanding, patriotic and loyal citizens in order to contribute more meaningfully to the success of the nation, race and religion.

“Indeed, the discourse of knowledge like this is important in providing an explanation, description and understanding of a concept introduced by the government,” he said.

It is the best and most effective tool, not only to obtain clarification from the relevant departments, agencies and the parties concerned but can also be used for dialogue, exchange of ideas and views, he added.

“This is especially so if it touches on the aspirations of the leaders, policies and actions of the government in addressing the challenges and issues raised.

“As we all know the Federal government, particularly our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has introduced and implemented various initiatives and transformation programmes in his aim to make Malaysia a model and developed Islamic country,” he asserted.

Therefore, efforts like this is also timely because in recent years often the policies, concepts and approaches taken by the government were misinterpreted and exploited by the irresponsible parties for their vested interest that caused confusion among the public, said the Chief Minister.

Former national leaders laid the foundation of moderation in the political, economic and social development in the country.

“As a result of this moderate approach, we have succeeded in uniting people of all races, religions and cultures including Malaysians who are separated geographically. We succeeded in building a Malaysian nation that is united, peaceful and harmonious,” he remarked.

No wonder many leaders of foreign countries are impressed with our country and want to share our government’s experience and approaches to develop a plural society like Malaysia, he added.

This moderate approach is consistent with the principles of “Wasatiyyah” championed by Najib in several meetings with Western leaders.

Hence, the people should hold on to the “Wasatiyyah” concept by adopting the “syura” and dialogue approach as a basis to resolve any problem or dispute, he said.

It is a fact that extreme approach and related violence is not the best solution, especially in the context of a pluralistic society, he said further.

“I believe that the principle of ‘Wasatiyyah’ which is practiced by our country’s leadership is consistent with the concept of 1Malaysia to create a united and moderate society based on the Federal Constitution and Rukunegara,” he said.

“We will not compromise with the irresponsible actions of certain parties who wish to destabilise the political, economic and social development that we enjoy now merely to fulfil their personal agenda and narrow political deception,” he stated.

Musa suggested to the organiser, National Civics Bureau of the Prime Minister’s Department, to conduct similar seminars throughout the State so that the concept can be understood and appreciated by the leaders and people at all levels.

He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the organisers of the seminar and hoped that the participants will gain knowledge from the seminar and inform their friends and communities.

The seminar was attended by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Haji Ahmad Haji Maslan, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Haji Nasir Tun Sakaran, staff from the civil service, BN component party members and community leaders.    

Source: New Sabah Times