National Madani Council to promote concept on all levels: Zahid

BANGI – A national council comprising Islamic scholars, government agencies, Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and non-Muslim representatives has been established to further promote the Malaysia Madani concept of community and growth on every level of society.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the National Madani Council will be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Madani Council members, as well as its philosophies, concepts and programmes, will be announced by the prime minister soon,” said Zahid at the press conference after the closing of the Islamic NGOs Unity Convention 2023 at the Tenera Hotel here this evening.

The prime minister introduced the Madani concept – which stands for sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust – to propel the country forward.

“This council will be organising official programmes, and engaging with Islamic NGOs and scholars from other religions.

“I am sure people from all races and religions will be supporting the prime minister’s initiative,” Zahid explained.

He said the prime minister will elaborate on more details of the council upon his return from the working visit to Saudi Arabia by the end of the week.

Also in attendance at the event were Minister of the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Islamic Da’wah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) chief executive officer Zamri Zainal Abidin.

Affirming that the National Madani Council is not solely for Muslim citizens, Zahid explained that the concept is a manifestation of the unified society contemplated by Anwar in the past three decades.

“As the country consists of a multicultural society, the implementation of Malaysia Madani should be seen to be holistic,” he said in his closing speech at the convention.

He also urged Muslim NGOs in the country to be among the driving forces of the Malaysia Madani concept. 

“This is not just about the philosophy of the six Madani principles based on the ‘Hijratul Rasul’ (migratory) approach (of the Prophet) in Madinah. There are convincing elements in forming a Madani society.”

“If this is carried out well, the Madani concept will be fully understood by all walks of life and can be the background of a knowledgeable society.”

The deputy prime minister also highlighted the need to correct the misconception surrounding the Madani concept.

“As pointed out by the prime minister, let’s look at the common principles for grounds of agreement rather than focusing on the distinctive opinion and different ground,” he added.

At the event, Zahid also announced an RM1 million contribution to Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia.

During the one-day convention, the delegates unanimously agreed on 10 resolutions, which include the resolution for a coalition of Islamic NGOs to construct an administrative complex equipped with multipurpose halls and training rooms, with some funding from the government.

“Perhaps, this can be included for next year’s budget, or the prime minister can even announce it before the budget tabling,” Zahid asserted. – The Vibes, March 21, 2023