KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans should fully understand the meaning of Malaysia Madani, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said the concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must be explained holistically by experts of various fields.
He added that this must be done by relating the diversity that is synonymous with the country, particularly in Sabah.
The Malaysia Madani concept, he said, has now been accepted as a new paradigm shift for the country to set its policy direction and strategy implementation for all sectors.
“Efforts to embrace this concept are very important as it is the basis for all of us to be more harmonious and prosperous.
“Therefore, this concept is most apt for the situation and needs of the state, which has more than 30 ethnic groups,” said Hajiji during the opening of the “Malaysia Forum Madani: Harmony in Diversity” event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday.
The forum was organised by the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) in collaboration with the Deputy State Secretary’s Office (Special Tasks).
The Madani policy framework was launched by Anwar on Jan 19.
The concept of Madani is visualised through a civilised and developed nation in terms of its mentality, spirituality and infrastructure.
It can be explained in more detail by the letters M.A.D.A.N.I., which stand for sustainability (keMampanan), prosperity (kesejAhteraan), innovation (Daya cipta), respect (hormAt), trust (keyakiNan), care and compassion (Ihsan).
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the Malaysia Madani concept is in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan that was introduced by the state government.
Hajiji said he is also proud that Sabah was the first state to organise seminars and forums related to Malaysia Madani in order to explain and clarify the vision introduced by the Prime Minister.
For example, he said, a seminar on developing Malaysia Madani through the local narrative was held by the State Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (Wadah), Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE) and the Sabah Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) last month.
Hajiji added that although Usia is an Islamic organisation, its role and responsibility in helping the government implement a programme beneficial to the people regardless of race and religion should be supported by all parties.
He hoped the association would continue to move forward and help the government maintain racial harmony, national prosperity and the people’s well-being.