Creativity and Innovation of Muslim Scholars in ASEAN Socio-Politics

The major difference that separates the survivors and perishers in human society is how the critical issue of "change " - which is the only constant in our lives - is being managed. Those that succeeded in managing "change" and constantly improving themselves, will proceed further and progress, while others who slumbers oblivious to the changing environment, will be left behind. Central to the progress and modernization of societies and civilizations as they meander the vicissitudes of life, is the ability and willingness to embrace the principal catalyst,for change, namely, "creativity and innovation". In the context of ASEAN, against the backdrop of a rapidly globalizing world environment, new knowledge and new ideas, together with.fresh and bold approaches are required to enable the ASEAN community to stay ahead and progress. It is here that Muslim scholars and intellectuals in this region can and should exercise some leadership in this matter. They should spur the governments and peoples of ASEAN to accord greater focus and emphasis on the pertinent issue of "creativity and innovation" in all aspects of their endeavors, including in socio-politics. In this latter regard, these scholars (ulama, especially mujtahid) have a role in articulating socio-political issues that are not only in sync with the Islamic governing and development paradigms but also offer alternative ideas and approaches that can complement existing approaches to ASEAN's nation building agendas and programmes. For this particular Paper on socio-politics, our attention will be devoted towards discussing the role of Muslim scholars in helping to bolster.further ASEANk effectiveness in general, and in urgently calling for reforms (read: creativity and innovation) in Governance, Ideology, and Education in particular.