The Malaysian society is an ideal model for cooperation and mutual understanding, the Imam of Nabawi (Prophet's) Mosque in Medina, Sheikh Salah Al-Budair, said Wednesday.

Describing Malaysia as a well-established Islamic nation with great development, he said:

"Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah). Malaysia is a well-established nation with great development and women played their role in the country's development."

Sheikh Salah said this in his public lecture entitled, 'The Role of Syariah in the Global World', which was delivered at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) here.

The hour-long lecture which was delivered in Arabic was translated by IAIS Principle Fellow Professor Dr Karim Crow who was also moderator.

On the issue of security, Sheikh Salah said it was one of the main blessings in a man's life.

"Without security, there will be no development and not even a building.

"One can only feel safe when the country has peace and security. Therefore, we need to protect and preserve security," he added.

In the same lecture, he also spoke of the predicament and problems faced by Muslim ummah all over the world.

The lecture was organised by IAIS, together with the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) and the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuala Lumpur.

About 200 people, including academicians, senior government officials and students, attended the lecture.

After the lecture, Sheikh Salah led the zohor prayer at the Tun Abdul Aziz Mosque in Section 14 here.

Sheikh Salah, who recites the Quran by heart, also serves as judge in the High Court of Medina.

He arrived here last Friday, at the invitation of the Malaysian Government, and will stay until May 4.