PAS vice-president Amar D’Raja Mohd Amar Abdullah revealed that Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, once remarked on the uniqueness of Kelantan during a meeting with the late state chief minister, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
Speaking at a PAS-organised current affairs lecture in Kota Bharu, Amar said this was proof that Kelantan’s strengths were evident even to outsiders, and locals should not belittle their homeland.
“If outsiders can recognise Kelantan’s strengths, why should we undermine the land that raised us? Those who insult their own birthplace are denying the truth,” he said.
He admitted Kelantan was not perfect, but stressed that the 35 years under the “Develop with Islam” policy since 1990 represented a wise and correct choice.
Amar highlighted that Islamic civilisation had long proven its credibility in governance, surpassing other systems. He cited scholars such as Ibn Taimiyah, who wrote As-Siyasah as-Syar‘iyyah on governance and justice, and Abu Ubaid al-Qasim, who authored works on state finance and taxation.
“Do not think that religious scholars are ignorant of economics. In fact, their views are far broader as they are guided by divine revelation,” Amar said.
He added that Malaysia already possesses one of the best-recognised civil service systems and professional officers in the world, awaiting only visionary leadership to unlock its full potential.
