Fair And Transparent Governance Way To Combat Misconception On Islam, Says Malaysian PM Najib

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Najib Razak says Muslim leaders may change negative perception of Islam through fair and transparent governance. The Prime Minister said good governance creates trust among the people and the more trust is created, the greater the opportunity for Muslims to combat ignorance. "One of the major challenges we must confront are the barbaric and violent acts of terrorists and extremists claiming to act in the name of Islam. These have, unfortunately, skewed the perception of our religion. "These negative perceptions are then magnified to the public by the media," Najib said in his keynote address at the launch of the World Muslim Leadership Forum 2016 here Thursday. His speech was read out by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Najib said it was up to Muslims to not only counter these stereotypes but to face the threats posed by these extremist and terror groups by being, becoming and preparing wise leaders with great integrity. "Fear is a terrible, crippling emotion that is instilled in order to control people. Let us in turn stop its spread and stand against such actions in solidarity and strength," the Prime Minister said. He said there was a duty to create leaders who could set examples which could be followed by people of all creeds and races. Najib said great leaders not only achieved personal success and greatness in their own chosen endeavours, but also carried others along with them or use their own platform to lift others up. Najib wanted the forum to also discuss the halal industry and Islamic finance as well as ways to create wider collaboration with other nations. The two-day forum is organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and the Global One Foundation of UK that is promoting dialogue between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds. -- BERNAMA