The development of Islam in the country, which is being strengthened from time to time, is a clear signal that the BN government is not shirking its responsibility to make Malaysia an Islamic state, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said not only the people, but also other nations, could the see the development of Islam in Malaysia over the last 60 years since independence, and that this was possible because of the wisdom of BN which is led by Umno.

"Efforts by the government to uphold Islam can be seen in the constitution which has placed Islam as the religion of the federation,” he said when appearing as a panellist on the ”Bicara Minda dan Sesi Dialog Perjuangan For All” programme in Kota Bharu last night.

Asyraf Wajdi added that the government was providing the financial resources to empower Islam, and that this year alone, RM987 million was provided to the Education Ministry for Islamic education, and RM559 million to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Also on the panel, which was moderated by Dahlan Maamor, was Umno information chief Annuar Musa , who is also the MP for Ketereh.

- Bernama