Malaysia not perfect but definitely not a failed state: Najib

BANGI (Malaysia) — Malaysia and its government may not be perfect given the current problems plaguing the nation but unlike what critics of the establishment have claimed, this does not mean the country is a “failed state” or a “rogue nation”, Prime Minister Najib Razak said today (Aug 18).

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman also said that Malaysians, particularly the youth, must be “balanced” in their criticism of the government.

“We are not perfect. Before the youths here today, I dare say that we are not a perfect government.

“But I must stress, Malaysia is not a failed state,” Mr Najib said in his speech at the Wasatiyyah 2015 International Seminar “Islam and the New Generation: Aspirations and Challenges” at the National Institute of Valuation (INSPEN) here. Among others, the prime minister cited Malaysia’s performance in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2014-15 ranking as evidence that his administration is steering the country in the right direction.

Malaysia scored the highest margin in the ranking compared to 70 other Islamic nations, not only in its economic performance, but also on its provision of a quality economic ecosystem.

“So does Malaysia deserve to be called a ‘failed state’ or ‘rogue nation’ when every day, the government aims to uphold the objectives of the maqasid al-syariah (higher objectives of the syariah)?

“Are we a failed state when Malaysia sits on the top spot in the Global Competitiveness Report or the World Bank Report of Doing Business?” Mr Najib asked. MALAY MAIL ONLINE