ISLAMIC SYSTEM AND PRACTICES THOUGH OLD, STILL RELEVANT TODAY

SIBU (Malaysia), Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Islamic knowledge, system and
practices, although established hundreds of years ago, are still relevant in the contemporary world.

Some, particularly in the field of science and technology, law and education
are being accepted, adopted and even adapted by the western world.

State legislative assembly Speaker Awang Asfia Awang Nassar said
this when representing Second Minister for Planning and Resource Management
Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan at the closing of the three-day state-level
Islamic Art Festival organised by Kemas (Community Development Department),
here, Sunday.

"Recent western medical studies have also proven that mundane affairs like
male circumcision and the eating of fruits and vegetables before the main meal
are propitious to health.

"As such, they are now a way of life with many westerners.


"All these go to show that Islam is a religion of knowledge, science,
beauty and salvation of mankind.

"It is far from its potrayal or label as a religion of extremism by certain
groups," he said.

Asfia also called for continued dedication, commitment and sincerity from
Kemas officers in helping the government disseminate information about its
various development plans and policies.

Earlier, in his speech, Kemas deputy director-general Hassan Abdul Amin said
Kemas was in the process of setting up 2,500 pre-school classes nationwide
beginning this year until 2012.

He said this would entail the recruitment of 2,500 diploma holders as
teachers.

The move was to give children, especially in rural areas, the benefit of
early education as enjoyed by their urban counterparts.

-- BERNAMA