Islamic World Must Innovate While Upholding Core Values, Says Perak Leader

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad urged the Islamic world to boldly renew its approaches to navigate contemporary changes while remaining anchored to fundamental values. He stated that any renewal must be guided by trust, justice, compassion, moderation, and responsibility towards humanity and the environment.

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renewal must continue to be guided by trust, justice, compassion, moderation, and responsibility towards humanity and the environment.

Speaking at the closing of the World Islamic Thought and Civilization Conference (WCIT 2026) in Ipoh, Saarani emphasized that Islamic civilization's historical respect was not built solely on territorial expanse or economic power, but on its ability to foster societies that valued knowledge, upheld justice, respected human dignity, and explored diverse fields of knowledge for universal benefit.

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It is respected because it succeeded in producing a society that upholds knowledge, preserves justice, respects human dignity, and dares to explore various branches of knowledge for the benefit of all humankind.

Saarani noted that discussions on Islamic civilization's resurgence should not solely focus on past glories but on reviving the values that once made it a global exemplar. He defined leadership as a trust requiring honesty, transparency, and accountability, with stable nations built on strong institutions and fair legal systems.

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stability does not mean closing the space for differences or debate, but ensuring that every difference is managed through legitimate institutions, preserved etiquette, and respect for the rights of others.

He further elaborated that stability does not mean suppressing dissent but managing differences through legitimate institutions, proper etiquette, and respect for others' rights. The WCIT 2026 theme, "Everyone Matters: Pride and Unity in Islam," underscores the inherent value, dignity, and standing of every individual, regardless of background. Saarani called for developing conference findings through structured collaboration between universities, government, industry, and civil society organizations.

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Everyone Matters: Pride and Unity in Islam, which means every human being has value, dignity, and a position regardless of background.