KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has described the criticism labeling the Madani approach as 'Madani Jahiliah' as both excessive and disappointing. He expressed concerns over political leaders creating unnecessary polemics against the Madani concept.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na'im emphasized that the Madani concept, introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is a virtuous framework intended to uplift the nation's dignity. The concept is endorsed by Islamic scholars for being rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, and it promotes a holistic national development strategy that encompasses both spiritual and physical dimensions.

Mohd Na'im urged Muslims to remain vigilant against those who might exploit religious sentiments for individual agendas. As the nation approaches 2025, he called for unity to foster national development for the people's benefit.

Recent local news reports highlighted comments from PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who suggested that Anwar's absence from the D-8 Summit in Cairo on December 19 was evidence of a 'Madani Jahiliah' struggle. Anwar, engaged with official duties involving Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow's visit to Malaysia, was represented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at the summit.