"I have the responsibility to demonstrate to the world that Malaysia is an example of a modern Islamic country," Badawi said. (Reuters)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agency) - Malaysian premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday, July 21, set 10 strategies to draw up a sound action program of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006 - 2010) to spur national economic growth at the national and global levels.

Abdullah, inaugurating the national assembly of the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) , outlined the strategies as redoubling efforts to ensure the national economic performance was at a high level and lasting; developing a knowledge-based economy; strengthening the national economic base and fundamentals and exploring new growth areas, according to Bernama news agency.

"Improving the public service delivery system; enhancing integrity and eradicating corruption at all levels; uplifting the people's quality of life; eliminating hardcore poverty; bridging the income gap and development gap; upgrading the capacity of manpower resources; and building a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united nation."

Abdullah said Malaysia was now caught between two scenarios -- it was not among countries where the cost of doing business was low and it had yet to be regarded as being in the company of countries with high technology.

This situation demanded that the country give serious attention to efforts to enhance productivity, encourage creativity and innovation as well as focus on fields where it had the competitive edge, Bernama quoted Badawi as saying.

The Prime Minister added the human resource was the most important element in the national economy and there must be value added and capacity building in this area, according to Bernama.

Research and development programs and the mastering of science and technology should be encouraged to enable the people to come up with inventions and products and enjoy new income and wealth, he said.

UMNO annual assembly stressed the importance of economic reform. (Reuters)

Badawi, chairman of the world's biggest grouping of Islamic nations, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, called on Muslims to prevent "militant groups" from hijacking the name of Islam to advance their violent ideology.

"The image of Islam in the eyes of the international community has been blackened since September 11," said Abdullah, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"We realize that Islam and its teachings can be used by certain groups, not only in Malaysia but also overseas, to advance their narrow agenda," he asserted.

"What we regret most is that every time, their actions bring destruction, pain and instability to human beings everywhere, including to Muslims who are innocent."

Islam is a major topic at this annual assembly of the UMNO, which promotes a moderate "Islam Hadhari" that emphasizes economic and scientific development.

"We are responsible for ensuring that the culture of extremism and violent acts in the name of Islam does not happen in Malaysia," Abdullah said.

Roots of Terror

"We are responsible for protecting Malays and the Islamic faith from becoming a means for individuals who want to advance in their narrow agenda."

Abdullah urged the international community to address the root causes of the troubles, including the situations in Iraq and Palestine which have inflamed discontent in the Muslim world, AFP said.

Some 60 percent of Malaysia's population are Muslim Malays, and the government places a priority on ensuring peaceful relations with the country's Indian and Chinese minorities.

"I have the responsibility to demonstrate to the world that Malaysia is an example of a modern Islamic country, dynamic, and a trusted business partner and a safe place to invest and visit," the prime minister said.