Willingness to be evaluated through ISM proves govt's commitment to good governance

The government's willingness in allowing administrative programmes and policies be evaluated and assessed through the Malaysian Syariah Index (ISM) shows the high level of confidence in good governance implemented based on the principles of Maqasid Syariah.

In fact, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the government's willingness also proved the boldness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's administration.

"If we are not ready, then how can we ask for evaluation and research be made on government's administration, especially involving the eight key management sectors of the country."

He said this at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of agreement for research between the ISM and five public universities here today.

The agreement will see the five universities conducting assessment and research on the eight key sectors, namely law, economics, health, education, political, culture, environment and infrastructure and social.

The five universities are the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UTM).

"We hope that the achievement of a being a fully developed country by 2020 will not be viewed only from the aspect of development, but must be balanced by the implementation of Shariah Index," the minister said.

Launched in February by the Prime Minister, the ISM is an initiative of the government to ensure if the country's administration is fulfilling the objectives of Maqasid Syariah principles.

The event today also witnessed the presentation of ISM Copyright Certificate to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) by the Malaysian Intellect Property Corporation (MyIPO) to ensure that the ISM would have the pioneer value and to be received both nationally and internationally.