When discussing the level and stability of the economy, not necessarily on a wide scale, at national level or on a small scale, namely, the economy of a family, significant differences can be seen if comparisons are made between Muslims and to that of non Muslims.
The reason behind the problem is said to be the result of the attitude of the Muslim community, who prefer to depend on sympathy without making any effort. Not to mention those who are wealthy, they do not want to share it with other fellow Muslims.
It is very much different with non Muslim societies who are more ´matured´ in looking for opportunities to increase their standard of living besides practicing the principles of helping each other among them.
Those who just get started in business for example, will be assisted by relatives who have more experience and knowledge in the business. Furthermore, assistance provided is also in terms of money as a loan of which the amount is not small.
Whereas from a point of effort, they never know the meaning of tiredness or do they give up. Maybe be some Muslim possess the same attitude but the number can be easily counted with our fingers. This small number of people, their economic state is at the level of ´meeting their needs´ only, and it Is obvious that they do not have the means to provide monetary assistance to others.
Just look at the economy of the Malays who are Muslims, lagging behind in terms of standard of living and economic sustenance. Even though the cause of this is due to the system of government adopted from the colonial period, it is still continues to be a problem which is difficult to resolve.
This is shocking, according to Prof. Emeritus Datuk Khoo Kay Kim. This problem arose because the Malays were not encouraged to change by the people who are managing the society (leaders). (Milenia Muslim, Oktober 2005:11)
He said that the Malays inherited a weak culture – not hard working, not aggressive in going after a thing, and content with what they have without wanting to look for more than that. (ibid).
However, differences in economic levels according to race do not only take place here. Muslims throughout the world suffer the same experience, notably those living in Africa. The only difference is the level of their poverty index.
If examined, Muslim countries have an abundance of natural resources. It is indeed mind boggling, that with such resources, Muslim countries and societies still continue to lag behind economically compared to those countries and societies that are non-Muslim.
Looking at this situation, an integrated approach needs to be taken to ensure that societies in general, especially Muslim countries are at par with the societies of non Muslim countries. This is important so that their natural resources will not be “scooped” by non Muslims.
To ensure that the economy can be managed successfully, the issue that needs to be refined here is human resources productivity. Human resources that is based on education and superior skills will be able to generate an excellent economy through the available knowledge and skills.
A work force that always adopts a dynamic work culture of excellence, represent a requirement that is required in any organization. Excellence in performing our duties will provide a positive impact to the country´s economic development and advancement.
Our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, sees the importance of knowledge in increasing human resources productivity, as the central factor in determining the quality of life of any country or individual.
Human resources is the most important element in any country´s economy and must be value added and capacity enabled. Research and Development programs, command in science and technology, command in knowledge and skills, must be encouraged to enable the people to produce new inventions, new products, new incomes and new wealth.
Other than the importance of knowledge and skills, he also outlined two more approaches in overcoming poverty in the Muslim world, where among other things is the need to strengthen women´s resources and by instituting corporate governance to be more organized and good.
The approach introduced during the International Conference on World´s and Muslim´s Poverty: Cause and Solution, tried to uplift the status of women by encouraging them to play a more active role, with hope that they will be able to help in reducing the country´s level of poverty.
It is true that women are becoming a challenge to men. Statistics have shown that women are monopolizing the nation´s universities. Therefore, the roles undertaken by them are undergoing more positive changes in matters of economic development.
Other than that, a resolute management system influences the effectiveness of a nation´s administration. Good corporate governance not only increases competency and quality of services but it also reduces ´red tape´ and bureaucracy that will only cause country to suffer losses.
Muslim countries with an advanced and developed economy will have more stable politics, enjoy more respect at international level, and will have the opportunity to voice themselves more effectively on the global stage. |
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