Malaysia's first Syariah Index very good: Najib (UPDATED)
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia obtained a score of 75.42% (categorised as very good) in the world's first ever syariah index, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak announced yesterday.
Presenting the Malaysia Syariah Index (ISM) 2015 report, Najib said it comprises eight main fields, with the breakdown of the score as follows:
- Islamic law: 87.19%
- Education: 82.5%
- Politic: 79.19%
- Health: 73.92%
- Social: 68.52%
- Culture: 66.47%
- Economy: 65.27%
- Infrastructure and environment: 62.31%
The syariah index was introduced in February last year, it serves as a benchmark to determine if the country is fulfilling the objective of Islamic principles (Maqasid Syariah), and objectively gauging Malaysia's commitment in achieving the five aspects of the Maqasid Syariah.
The five aspects are the protection of religion, life, mind, race, and property.
"Indeed, the government is on the right track towards becoming a more advanced and prosperous nation, and this is my commitment as the prime minister," he said during the presentation of the report at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
Najib said a special cabinet committee on the ISM will also be set up soon to implement measures to improve the current index, which will be chaired by him, with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa as the secretary.
In presenting the report, Najib also added that Malaysia is a country of both Muslims and non-Muslims and cautioned that the interests of all quarters should be taken into account in implementing measures under the Syariah Index
"Don't do things that will be in contrast to the Federal Constitution, taking away their (non-Muslims) rights and change their lifestyles. Whatever we do should still be anchored by the constitution," he said.
The index was measured and scored by over 130 experts from five local universities led by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
Describing the 75% achieved as a grade A result, ISM governance committee chairman Profesor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Shukor Husin said the country should aim to achieve at least an 80% (A+) score next year.