An administration led by Muslims must be guided by Islamic values and be fair in all matters, free from corruption, respect laws and show concern for all communities, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

As such, he said, having a good administration when in power was important to ensure Islam grew well and non-Muslims did not keep away from Muslims.

NONE "If we can do this, the benefits will be great, among them understanding of Islamic teachings will increase besides the people being more willing to listen to the administration," he said at Perkim's (Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation) 48th annual general meeting at a hotel here today.

Mahathir, who has been Perkim president since 2006, said when Islamic administrations were smeared with cruelty, power abuse, corruption, inefficiency, oppression of others and the like, others will have a negative perception of Islam.

"Today, there isn't a single Islamic country that can be said to be a developed nation. And again there some who hold the view that progress of Islamic countries is not important.

"But we have witnessed the fate of many Islamic nations because of their backwardness. They are forced to beg, ask for help from others and as a result are often manipulated by their benefactors who might in reality be their enemies," he said.

Open hearts of non-Muslims

He said Islamic countries and Islam will only be respected if they were progressive, like in the Golden Age of Islam.

Mahathir said Perkim's role in propagating Islam was also very clear in that before trying to bring Islam to the public, its members must be shining examples of the values and teachings of the religion.

"It is important for Muslims to be successful in all fields, social, economics, politics and others to attract attention, increase understanding and respect for Islam and not only that, also open the hearts of non-Muslims to get to know the religion and all the good it stands for," he added.

- Bernama