KUALA KANGSAR: An Islamic country is not formed through militant activities such as bombings, kidnappings and the killing or injuring of innocent people, said the Sultan of Perak.

An Islamic nation, said Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, also could not be formed by merely labelling the word “Islam” to the name of a country or by ascribing elements of the religion in the legal system and the state’s constitution.

“The desire for a fair and equi­table rule has led to the establishment of various militant movements worldwide aimed at setting up Daulah Islamiah or the Islamic state,” he said.

An Islamic country only came into form, said the Ruler, when a nation was administered by a government able to carry out amal makruf (good deeds) and earnestly refrain from evil deeds.

“When the people live in peace, respect one another, stay united, defend the land’s sovereignty, uphold the law, are free from corruption and the abuse of power and there is fair distribution of wealth to ensure no one is left poor, this is when an Islamic nation is formed.

“A true Islamic country is formed when, among others, the government and the leaders have the spirit to serve, sacrifice, refuse special privileges and never put themselves in a more noble position than others,” he said in his speech at the investiture in conjunction with his 61st birthday at Istana Iskandariah here yesterday.

Sultan Nazrin also said the collapse of a nation was due to the negligence of a government, which had failed to fulfil the needs of its people.

In Islam, he said it was stressed that a government must be backed by law and that the leaders had neither privilege nor immunity from law.

The Sultan also called on the young generation to understand the history of the country’s formation so that the 60 years of independence would continue to be guided to the right path.

In his speech, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said in obeying the decree of the Sultan, who prioritised having a balanced development, Perak saw a growth rate of 4.1% last year.

“Perak has been organising many international events and this has put the state on the world map, especially when Lonely Planet named us as a must-visit destination,” he added.