Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob announced today that the state government will assimilate the "Islam Hadhari" (Islamic civilisation) concept in the state's administrative blueprint.

"The concept, advocated by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, will be used as the guideline to ensure harmony and prosperity of people in the state," Bernama quoted him as saying in a report filed from Kuantan.

Adnan said he met all Pahang state assemblymen and leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties last week to explain the concept of Islam Hadhari.

No compulsion

"The explanation also includes that there is no compulsion for non-Muslims to embrace Islam as it is a religion which practises tolerance," he stressed

The menteri besar also said that in line with the implementation of the concept, focus would also be given on agriculture and other fields especially that of knowledge-based as encouraged by Islam.

"Assimilation of Islam Hadhari is continous and we call on community leaders and non-governmental organisations to assist this effort.

"We will tell the people on how such concept would bring us more progress," Adnan added.

On Thursday, the Information Ministry outlines the Islam Hadhari which it describes as "progressive Islam programme action plan" and which combines the role of the ulama and non-ulama to bring progressive Islam to the mainstream.

According to Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin, the plan was for the next five years and it was hoped that it would increase public understanding on the concept, especially among non-Muslims.