We all, Muslims and non-Muslims, realise that the problem of the role of Islam in the modern national Muslim state demands an urgent solution. Its very complexity in the context of the contemporary political, economic and social situation favours the taking up of radical positions. Yet this can only increase confusion and contradictions, inevitable as this may be. Goodwill and mutual understanding are needed in order to create a public opinion which is well informed, rooted in the Islamic past and determined to support a truly national effort to establish a modern society on the pattern of the Good Society. It is essential that politically conscious and responsible citizens should—while recognizing the existence of extreme views and intentions—earnestly endeavour to bring about a reconciliation of attitudes and interests for the good of a united nation within the larger family of nations.

Co-operation cannot be confined within national boundaries. Newly won independence created internal problems which can only be solved within these boundaries. But the aftermath left by foreign domination and tutelage must and can only be cleared away and overcome by outside help limited only by human resources. For colonialism has left its mark both positively and negatively; yet at this early stage of national sovereignty, its benefits are inevitably dwarfed by the disadvantages caused by its negative features. The most important facet of these is the neglect of education and the consequent backwardness of the majority of the new citizens.