‘VIOLENCE WILL NOT MAKE AN ISLAMIC STATE’
It is realised when people live peacefully, unite in upholding nation’s sovereignty, says ruler
ISLAMIC countries can never be established through militant movements and violence, said Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. “An Islamic country will also not be formed by attaching an Islamic word to its name, or by inserting the elements of Islam in the legal system and the country’s constitution.
“The desire for fair and equitable ruling has led to the establishment of various militant movements worldwide, which aim to set up Daulah Islamiah, or the Islamic state.”
However, Sultan Nazrin said an Islamic country could be realised when the government was capable of practising good deeds and rejecting bad ones (amal makruh nahi mungkar); and when the people live in unity and harmony.
“An Islamic country will be realised when citizens live peacefully, are respectful towards one another, and united in upholding the sovereignty of the nation and the law; free from corruption and abuse of power; when wealth is distributed fairly, and there is no longer the poor,” he said during an investiture held in conjunction with his 61st birthday at Istana Iskandariah here.
“An Islamic country will also emerge when the government and leaders embrace the noble traits of Prophet Muhammad, who had the spirit of serving, sacrificing, refusing to be given any privilege and had never put himself as more noble than others.
“Leaders who embrace the Islamic spirit would govern based on truth and justice,” Sultan Nazrin said, adding that they also must be of good character.
Sultan Nazrin also called on the youth to understand the history of the country’s formation so they would be guided on the right path.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, in expressing gratitude to Sultan Nazrin, said the state had prospered under the ruler and leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“Perak made it to the ‘Top 10 must-visit’ regions this year while Ipoh was named as the sixth most interesting place to visit in Asia by Lonely Planet.
“The state also recorded the highest arrival of domestic tourists for four consecutive years.
“A total of 15 out of the 20 municipal councils received a fivestar rating, while Ipoh City Council was announced as the best local government (under the star-rating system by the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry),” he said.
A total of 331 people received state awards and medals, with New Straits Times group editor Yushaimi Yahaya among the 20 who were bestowed the Darjah Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), which carries the title Datuk.