CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF AL-QURAN CRUCIAL IN NATION BUILDING

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- A clear understanding on the contents of the
Al-Quran is important in helping government efforts at building a nation state
that is perfect and respected through the 1Malaysia concept.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said a correct understanding of the Al-Quran
could spur the Islamic civilisation to reach greater heights and remove the
negative perception of the west on Islam.

"Al-Quran was sent down to improve mankind and also to show the way to the
correct path. With the correct understanding, the Al-Quran can empower a nation
state," he said at the launching of the e-Qalam, an Al-Quran digital pen and
marketing portal via the website.

The product is manufactured in four language translations namely Bahasa
Malaysia, English, Indonesian language and Mandarin on a joint-venture between
two local companies, Iqra' Pintar Sdn Bhd and Dawama Sdn Bhd.

Naib also said that the creation of e-Qalam was not meant to replace the
existing system of learning and understanding the Al-Quran, nor to replace the
religious teacher in the teaching of the holy book.

"On the contrary, it can assist in encouraging more people to read and
understand what they read through the translation provided, and subsequently
complementing the system of reading the Al-Quran itself," he said.

Najib said the e-Qalam was also an innovation in the educational technology
and had the potentials of expanding to other readings and capable of penetrating
the international arena.
-- BERNAMA