Malaysia to apply Syariah Index from next year - Najib

The Syariah index to gauge a country's achievements in the implementation of Islamic law requirements will be applied beginning January next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said a comprehensive index was being developed through an effort spearheaded by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in collaboration with the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and the Islamic Missionary Foundation Malaysia (Yadim).

"It is highly polemical; some say our country is Islamic and some say it is not. How are we attempting to fulfill the requirements of Islamic law? There must be some scientific gauge for Islamic law.

"When there is such an index, we will be able to gauge and make comparisons with other countries as to where we have achieved success and where there are shortcomings that we should rectify together," he said when addressing an assembly of 'ulama' (Islamic scholars) here.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapa were also present at the assembly, attended by more than 3,000 ulama.

Najib said that with the assistance of ulama, it would be possible to shape an administration required by Islam, not only in terms of progress but also fair and equitable distribution of wealth.

"This is the justice demanded by Islam, and I hope the ulama can help the government to prepare society to be more just and equitable," the Prime Minister said.

At the event, Najib presented prizes under the inaugural Malaysian Mosque Awards 2014, which were won by the As-Salam Mosque in Puchong Perdana, Selangor, and the Sultan Yahya Petra Mosque in Machang, Kelantan.

The mosques each received RM100,000, a certification of appreciation and a challenge trophy.