Manifest principle of maslahah in every policy - PM

PUTRAJAYA: Taking into account the fact that Islam is the religion of the Federation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob wants all ministries and government agencies to manifest the principle of maslahah (preserving the interests of the public) in every policy enacted.

He said the principle of maslahah emphasises matters that were universal and suitable for all members of the Malaysian Family who longed for peace and harmony needed for the co-existence of different races and religions.

"It does not limit the practices and beliefs of other religions, but instead demands the element of togetherness in maintaining our ties," he said when opening the town hall session and launching the Keluarga Malaysia Sejahtera book here today.

Ismail Sabri said preserving the interests of the public is a manifestation of wellbeing as it is also the essence and objective of Maqasid Syariah, which is part of Islamic law.

In a conference organised by the Malaysian Syariah Judiciary Department last September, the Prime Minister also stated that Maqasid Syariah should be the core of every policy in creating a fair, prosperous and harmonious country.

Ismail Sabri said as a policymaker, the government needs to play a serious role in formulating suitable measures to translate the concept of wellbeing so that it could be well accepted by every member of the Malaysian Family.

He said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should be made a source of reference for all ministries and agencies in implementing Maqasid Syariah-based governance.

"It is hoped that the Maqasid Syariah approach could be translated in all forms of implementation and to be made guideline or framework in formulating new policies or empowering the existing ones.

"If the policies could be implemented properly and clear understanding is given to civil servants at all levels, I am optimistic that the wellbeing that we dreamed of can be achieved by all members of the Malaysian Family," he added.

-- BERNAMA