KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak has called for responsibility in the country's wealth distribution, arguing that a balance is needed in order to “create a fair and just society.” He said the payment of the Islamic zakat (tithe), for example, would enable the underprivileged people to enjoy a better life. “Hence, we will be able to prevent social gap from widening … where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. “Don't link Islam to poverty … Allah likes and will reward those who are successful and have a charitable attitude,” he said at the ceremony to hand out tithe contributions to the needy in the Pekan parliamentary constituency. Among the contributors are Bank Islam, Uda Holdings Berhad, Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji), Amanah Raya Berhad, Poverty Eradication Foundation and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad. Razak, who is also Pekan member of Parliament, said Islam also taught Muslims to pursue success, find sustenance, work hard, create opportunity, strive for excellence and acquire wealth. “These are part of Islamic teachings. Whoever spends in the name of God, will receive the reward from Him,” he said.
