Hearts and minds: new think-tank seeks to modernise Islam

Article Abstract:

The Malaysian Institute for Islamic Understanding (IKIM) is a new think-tank set up Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad in Jul 1992 to reconcile Islam with progressivism and economic development. Mahathir sees the conservative tendency of Islam as a possible obstacle to his goal of making Malaysia a developed country by 2020. IKIM was established to frame an ideology that justifies industrialization in terms of the traditional Islamic work ethic, though IKIM also has the ostensible purpose of increasing non-Muslims' understanding of Islam.

Research institutes, Social policy, Islam, Religious aspects, Religion and state, Islam and state

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Ministry minder

Article Abstract:

On Jan 3, 1996 Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Amnuay Virawan was given overall responsibility for the Finance Ministry, leading to speculation about the move's purpose. Some said it was meant to punish Finance Minister Surakiart Sathirathi for dismissing the well-regarded Ekamol Khiriwat as chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission. Others said it was to protect Surakiart. A new Finance Minister could be forthcoming, but Surakiart is an important political player in a key position, though Amnuay has stronger credentials.

Officials and employees, Thailand, Securities industry, Thailand. Ministry of Finance

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Caste adrift

Article Abstract:

Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad has urged business enterprises to develop business skills and reduce their dependence on political subsidies. Mahathir was referring to the M$127.3 million debt write-off by Bank Bumiputra Malaysia due to banking inefficiency. The PM pointed to the political dependence of Malaysia's industries and hoped they would adopt Japanese business practices instead.

Economic policy

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