CONTINUITY IN ISLAMIC NATIONS DEPENDS ON SOUND LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Continuity in Islamic countries depends
largely on sound leadership and management in effecting balanced development in
the post-independence era.

Crown Prince of the northern state of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said this
also depended on governments that could ensure a fair distribution of wealth and
a legal system based on sound laws and a judiciary of high integrity.

"In addition, the task and reponsibility of governing the country must be
entrusted to only those who are really qualified and capable.

"And those entrusted with the responsibility must possess the Islamic soul
so as to control themselves from power abuse, irregularities or misappropriation
and corruption, and regard their task as a duty to society besides placing the
people's interests first."

Raja Nazrin Shah said this in his royal address at the Special Conference of
Ministers for Religion of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore, here,
Thursday.

He said Muslims today faced the big challenge of reviving Islam's past glory
and in doing so, Islam must be accepted as a platform for unity in diversity.

"In Islam, there is no uniformity or sameness as this runs contrary to the
law of nature."

Raja Nazri said unity began with the willingnes to accept that diversity
existed and to understand the differences of one from another.

He also said that Muslims' desire to see a more prosperous world could be
realised through rational and constructive approaches with focus given to better
management of the country, education with a mission, economic equity and
effective propagation of Islam.

On the economy, Raja Nazrin Shah said zakat (tithe) collection could be an
effective financial instrument for sound management of the Islamic economy.

"Eradicating poverty entails the willingness of Muslim countries which are
blessed with immense wealth to come forward to help the poor countries."

Raja Nazrin said a strategy for balancing economic distribution at the
global level and to facilitate economic integration among Muslim nations needed
to be introduced.

"Economic prosperity must be shared in an equitable manner by ensuring the
basic rights of the people to food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education,
water and energy," he said.

Raja Nazrin also said that propagation of Islam should be enhanced with
wider interpretation of its teachings through stategic programmes, the media and
information communication technology to free the religion of negative
perceptions.
-- BERNAMA