NAJIB OUTLINES FOUR FACTORS TO MAKE MUSLIMS COMPETITIVE

KUCHING (Malaysia), Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak
Thursday outlined four factors that could make Muslims better able to handle
the various challenges the Islamic world was facing now.

Speaking at the closing of the Sarawak Islamic Congress here, Najib said the
first was human capital development through education and the seeking of
knowledge.

"We want to build a generation mentioned by Allah in the Quran as one that
is intelligent and wise and be able to build a great civilization," he said.

The second factor, Najib said, was regaining a strong fighting spirit
especially among the younger generation.

"Islamic leaders who are committed and know the path that needs to be taken
to bring the community forward," he said, adding that the leadership must also
be well received by others, irrespective of race or religion.

"The third factor is a fact that cannot be denied, is that Muslims have
not realised their full economic potential," he said.

He said they needed to aggressively pursue this agenda by operating in the
international arena and being competitive in the k-economy.

Najib said the fourth was improving their work culture and life practices
which integrated the positive values espoused by Islam with contemporary values.

These included honesty, integrity coupled with a high performance culture,
he added.

Also present were Sarawak Public Utilities Minister Awang Tengah
Ali Hassan.

-- BERNAMA