Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the council, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would be established to further promote the Madani philosophy. - NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the council, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would be established to further promote the Madani philosophy. - NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS

BANGI: The government will be setting up a Madani Council to further promote the unity government's Malaysia Madani concept.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the council, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would be established to further promote the Madani philosophy.

"The council will be organising official programmes and activities in the administration and also engage with Islamic non-governmental organisations, as well as scholars from other religions. I am sure people from all races and religions will support the initiative by the prime minister," he said in a press conference today.

Further announcements on the Madani Council will be made soon, he added.

Zahid said this after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2023 Islamic Non-governmental Organisations Unity Conference at Tenera Hotel here on behalf of the prime minister.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) chief executive officer Zamri Zainal Abidin.

During the closing ceremony, Zahid also announced a RM1 million contribution to Yadim.

Earlier, 10 resolutions were read out following the conference held today, including the final resolution to build a one-stop complex equipped with office seminar halls, multipurpose halls and training rooms, which will be jointly owned by a coalition of Islamic NGOs with assistance from government funds.

The complex will enable social service and volunteer work to be carried out in a more planned, orderly, and organised manner.

Zahid said that the government would look into the proposal.

"Let's see if the government can include this for next year's budget, or maybe the prime minister can even announce it earlier.

"Most importantly, we hope the NGOs will embrace the Madani philosophy which respects various religions, cultures, languages and backgrounds."

Earlier this year, the government launched the new Malaysia Madani slogan, aimed at leading the country forward.

MADANI is the Malay acronym for SCRIPT, which stands for sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust.