Najib to table Syariah Index report on March 28

Najib said the index was important and close to his heart as the Prime Minister as he wanted to know the government's commitment towards Islamic agenda.

He said the index, which was launched last February, would determine whether or not the policies implemented by the government fulfilled the objectives of Islamic principles.

"We cannot jump into conclusion based only on general point of view. Sometimes, our views are influenced by our own personal experience.

"Maybe because the matter was not labelled as Islamic, or it was being influenced by political consideration, that had caused our conclusions to stray from the reality," he said at the appreciation ceremony for the Malaysian Syariah Index 2015 research team here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and his deputy Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha and Malaysian Syariah Index Governance Committee chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin.

The index, the first of its kind ever developed in the world, evaluated and assessed the government's seriousness in achieving the five aspects of the 'Maqasid Syariah' or sharia requirements, namely the protection of the religion, protection of life, protection of the mind, protection of the race and protection of property.

It covered eight major areas namely legal, politics, economy, education, health, culture, infrastructure and environment, and social.

Najib said the index would give an accurate description of the polemics and definition of an Islamic state.

"As the Prime Minister, I have to know if there were any flaws or any improvements and correction needed. I have to do the best to uplift the status of Islam.

"Besides, I believe in the principle that...what can be measured, can be improved," he said.

Najib said the Syariah Index report was an appropriate effort as it was a process to provide explanation to the public so that they would gain better understanding and could give response and feedback.

"It will become the foundation for a better and clearer conclusion.

"I also hope other countries will join in the effort. We can make it a programme for Islamic countries.

"When we talk about it, Malaysia will become an exemplary Islamic state to the world. When we say exemplary state, then the Syariah Index will become a benchmark for the statement," he said.