HIJRAH SPIRIT IN LINE WITH 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT - PM

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The Hijrah spirit practised in Islam is in
line with the 1Malaysia concept which is a continuous effort at strengthening
unity among the people.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said the concept, based on noble values, revolved
around the principles of social justice, acceptance and nationhood which placed
the interests of the people and nation first for both to prosper.

He said the biggest challenge faced throughout 52 years since the country's
independence was forging unity among the people, but "the irony is that unity
can be fostered beyond the boundaries of politics in the interest of the
nation".

"Success did not come just like that, but it had required a high Hijrah
spirit, loyalty and resoluteness. We have implemented the transformation agenda
in the economic field from an agriculture-based to industrialisation.

"Now, we have moved towards a new economic model based on innovation,
creativity and high value-added.

"This is all for a successful economic transformation to turn Malaysia into
a high-income country in a holistic and sustainable manner, placing importance
on innovation and remaining relevant in the global economic competition," he
said in his Maal Hijrah 1431 message Thursday.

Najib said Malaysian society needed to transform for betterment regardless
of the people's role as leaders, the government or members of society.

"We need to manage success and build the strength of the ummah (community)
by nurturing and fostering harmony that has long existed.

"We should remember that our history has been filled with one success after
another that has made Malaysia one of the most advanced, dynamic and progressive
developing countries," he said.

The prime minister said the formula that had brought the success was unity
among the country's multiracial society and mutual trust based on the concept of
moderation and accepting the existing diversity as a strength.

"Ultimately, whatever the definition of Hijrah from our perspective, the
important thing is that we should not remain satisfied with past achievements
without striving to create new achievements and innovations," he said.

Najib said all the success could be achieved through adding value towards a
higher level of innovation as well as unity of the people as one community.

"In line with this year's Maal Hijrah theme, 'Strengthening Fraternity,
Empowering the Community', a developed and progressive country needs people with
potential and strong personality.

"The best ummah is moulded through fraternity based on high civilisational
values. There is also the need to practise moderation for balanced physical and
spiritual development for a greater sense of belonging and togetherness to
achieve that unity as one community."

Najib said the concept of brotherhood and unity was created by the Prophet
at the start of Hijrah (flight from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD) in a holistic
manner regardless of colour, background and position.

"The Medina community at the time was of different races and religions, and
living a life of peace and harmony based under the Medina Constitution that
placed importance on unity, protecting Islam as a religion, providing social
justice and religious freedom to people of all faiths, and protecting the
minorities," he said.
-- BERNAMA