KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2009: The peaceful power transition from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Malaysia’s sixth prime minister, is the most precious gift from a big-hearted leader to the people.
In the Friday sermon read in mosques throughout the country today, Malaysians were urged to appreciate the sacrifices of the former prime minister as his actions had ensured continued stability while the people could carry on with their economic activities and practise their religion in peace.
“This pulpit believes that a peaceful power transition is a wise move in safeguarding the well-being of the country and the future of the Muslim community,” stated the sermon, which was prepared by the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) and faxed to Bernama.
The sermon also said that based on the nation’s political history, the peaceful power transition was not something new but had been the tradition in this country.
“Many countries are impressed with Malaysia’s traditionally smooth power transition although its people are multi-racial and multi-religious.”
Muslims were also reminded in the sermon that a leadership position should not be regarded “as a privileged position as it can take away one’s focus from serving the people effectively”.
According to the sermon, Islam sees a leader as a people’s representative or service provider, while the people have the right to advise the leader. — Bernama
