Malaysia can't be a failed state or a rogue nation if it is outperforming other countries, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"It is ironic that this 'failed state' is at the top of the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) 2014-2015. This is an independent study and not influenced by the government.

"This index says that Malaysia is leading by a wide margin in the Islamic economy ecosystem," he declared.

Speaking at an international wasatiyyah (moderation) seminar in Bangi today, Najib said the study of 70 Islamic nations named Malaysia the most mature Islamic economy and halal industry.

The GIEI study was carried out by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) in partnership with Thomson Reuters.

Najib's comments come as the ringgit plummets to an all time low, amid political uncertainty.

The prime minister is under heavy fire for his brainchild 1MDB's debts, as well as a RM2.6 billion donation he received in his personal accounts.

Former National Economic Advisory Council member Danny Quah, in a comment piece published by The Diplomat, said the handling of 1MDB, a crack down on the press, and others as examples of how Malaysia had gone rogue.

However, Najib said while Malaysia is not perfect, it deserved better than such labels.

"Does Malaysia deserve to be called a failed state or rogue nation, if everyday our administration protects the higher objectives of syariah?

"Are we a failed state when Malaysia is almost at the top in many indexes such as the Global Competitiveness Report or the World Bank Report of Doing Business?

"Are we a failed democracy when we talk about equality and economic inclusiveness almost all the time every day?” he asked.

"Malaysia is not a failed state!" he stressed.

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