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This study examines the performance of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) component political parties (i.e. PKR, PAS and DAP) in the 2011 Sarawak state elections. The 2011 Sarawak state elections was held in April 2011 and it was a tense battle between the ruling BN and the new comer opposition Pakatan Rakyat. The study is based on the assumption that there is a linkage between PR’s campaign strategies and election manifesto and the voters’ preference. Therefore, the study investigates the linkage between campaign strategies and manifesto of Pakatan Rakyat and its performance in the 2011 Sarawak State elections. It uses Martin Harrop and William L. Miller’s theory of competitive elections as a framework for analysis. This study uses qualitative method of research for analysis of data. The data were collected from the primary sources such as formal and informal interviews, party manifestos, newspapers, documents from the Election Commission (EC) and secondary sources such as books and scholarly articles. The study argues that the opposition for the first time collectively campaigned as a single opposition coalition under the name of Pakatan Rakyat. PR’s campaign strategies were quite sound and practical as it divided its campaign strategies into traditional and non-traditional campaign strategies. Besides that PR proposed several strategies which can be labeled as a new type of approach. The study found that even though PR did not get the two-thirds majority in the State Legislative Assembly, it succeeded to capture more seats; pointing to the fact that there is a shift of support from the incumbent BN government towards the opposition PR. However, the study also found that the main factor contributing to PR’s inability to capture more seats was its inability to reach an understanding with the local opposition political party: Sarawak National Party (SNAP). The study therefore, among others, recommends that PR should work out a strategy to integrate some important local political parties such as SNAP if it wants to control Sarawak state legislative assembly.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that represents abnormality development of brain and its function. Few studies had seen the impact of early detection and intervention, and how it gives positive effect for the children to improve their life as good as other normal children. There are three major impairments of the autistic children namely: social interaction with others, communication and fine motor movements. A simple case of fine motor movements could be finger tapping, imitating other action and also managing their fingers towards objects. Many psychologists and psychiatrists diagnosed these autistic children as early as three years old. In Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies, finding shows the brain region such as prefrontal cortex (especially in the pre-motor cortex), occipital and etc, did involve in motor impairment in autistic children. Thus, it is possible to differentiate between normal and autistic children using motor imitation skills but all these process require the psychologists, psychiatrist or expert to monitor and make decision on their observations. However, fMRI is an expensive process and could not be automated and be used for masses. In this research, it aims to look at motor imitation skills for autistic children using electroencephalogram (EEG) approach. Preliminary result has shown great potential in identifying motor imitation skills impairment in autistic children. EEG device will be used to capture the brain signals, and two methods for analysis such as Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). The Mutilayer Perceptron (MLP) will be adopted as the classifier. Although the MLP was used as classifier the end results shows great potential of using the EEG model approach based on the 2D affective space model (ASM) for early detection of motor imitation skills development disorder among autistic children.

This study is devoted to investigate the phase diagrams of 3-state Potts model with competing binary, ternary and quaternary interactions on Cayley tree. The 3-state Potts model was classified as the simplest quantum field-theory after Ising model and was an easily defined class of statistical mechanic model. The aim of this study is to analyze the phase diagrams of 3-state Potts model with competing interactions on Cayley tree of order 2 and 3. At vanishing temperature T, the phase diagrams are fully determined for all values of competing binary interactions J 1 , ternary interactions J t and quaternary interactions J q. The results show that there have significant change~ in the phase diagrams for the case of nonzero ]q. Lastly, we analyze in detail the set of modulated phases, with the phase being indicated by many different types of commensurate and incommensurate phases by plotting the wavevectors versus temperature. The Lyapunov exponent is computed to verify the stability of the large period phase in the narrow-interval modulated phase.

Femtocells are home access points installed by end consumers inside their houses which are an important and a promising technology in future wireless networks. It was proposed as a solution to the indoor propagation problems and to increase the indoor bandwidth. However, many challenges need to be addressed before deployment of femtocells. One of the most important challenges are assessing and mitigating the interference. In order to calculate the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), an accurate path loss model is required. Most of the studies in the open literature considered a two dimensional scenarios where the femtocell has specific location and uniformly distributed in the network. On the contrary, this research will consider more practical scenarios where the femtocell is randomly distributed in a three Dimensional (3-D) environment to accommodate interference from cells spaced horizontally on a terrestrial access or stacked vertically as in the case for office or residential towers. The vertical interference is still not considered in the open literature yet. The most important parameter that should be considered once calculating the interference is the path loss. Since femtocell is installed in an indoor environment, this thesis addresses only the indoor propagation channel. Most of the available propagation models are for long range communication networks like macro and micro cellular networks. Models for femtocell networks, where the effects of walls and floors are considered, appeared to be necessary. In this research six different models of indoor propagation were studied and compared with measured data. Comprehensive measurements were conducted in a four storey building using most popular frequencies for Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks of 1.8 and 2.6 GHz. Three different scenarios with different numbers of penetrated walls and floors were considered. The results were analyzed statistically using linear and non-linear regression methods. Further, a three dimensional path loss model based on two distance concept is proposed for indoor femtocells. In this model, the path loss intercept is made equal to the free space losses. Two path loss exponents were proposed. The first one is the vertical exponent that equals 7.62, and was inferred based on the vertical propagation measurements. The second path loss exponent is the horizontal one (variable) and it is found to be a function of transmitter and receiver heights. This model is found to be suitable for applications in LTE wireless networks and maybe applied in both LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system level simulators. In addition, path loss has been evaluated in terms of various antenna aspects such as polarization and directivity. Finally a three dimensional system level simulator is developed and integrated into the famous Vienna LTE simulator in order to help the researcher in LTE femtocell field to analyze and investigate more real scenarios of femtocell deployment. The developed simulator allows the researcher to locate a multi-storey building in the region of interest, choose the number of floors, determine the ceiling height, and allocate the position of the femtocell inside the house. The proposed three dimensional indoor propagation model is implemented in the simulator and is used to assess and model interference. Different parameters such as Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), and throughput, were studied especially for vertically stacked femtocells. Results indicate the validity of the proposed 3-D model and confirm that it is a more realistic tool for assessment and model of femtocell interference.

3D maps in mobile devices for navigation aid have been created to overcome the weaknesses of conventional 2D maps which require users to interpret its various symbols and legends. Now it has become possible to render large and detailed 3D map of cities in mobile devices at interactive rates over 5fps (frame rate per second) to 30fps. Mobile devices with low computing resources may also use manipulated photos in order to give the illusion of 3D presentation. Owing to this recent development, the concept of 3D representation in mobile devices for multi-users interactive navigation aid is proposed. It is aimed at helping people to navigate in unfamiliar locations. In today’s world, mobility and communication have become essential. People may frequently find themselves asking: ‘Where am I right now?’, ‘How do I get from X to Y?’, and ‘How can I tell Z?” The proposed system of 3D maps in mobile devices for navigation aid allows several mobile device users to view their own and the other users’ locations at the same time, while being stationary or on-the-move. Voronoi diagram/Delaunay triangulation and A-star pathfinding are the algorithms for establishing user locations and their distances, apart from finding the shortest part from Location X to Y. A prototype of this system was developed to demonstrate the pros and cons of the practical application of this new concept. This research uses an observational research, field experiment, qualitative interview and quantitative survey to investigate navigation practices with 3D representation in mobile devices as a navigation aid. The research findings include discussion of the features of navigation practices with the aid of 3D representation in mobile devices and a critical assessment of the factors influencing its usage.

Road traffic accidents are increasingly recognised as a serious public health concern. Each year road traffic accidents cause 1.2 million deaths worldwide and the number is expected to increase by 65 percent in 20 years. One of the challenges to solving this issue is that many accident investigation studies employed methods that gave less emphasis on systemic factors of road traffic accidents such as enforcement and government policies but rely on a direct cause-effect chain to analyse an accident causation process. By contrast, more contemporary approaches of investigating accidents are based on systemic accident models that can be used to analyse the interactions between various components of a sociotechnical system. Different systemic accident models, however, can lead to different analyses and subsequently different conclusions. As such, this study sought to compare three different systemic accident models, namely, the Driving Reliability and Error Analysis Method (DREAM), System-Theoretic Accident Model and Process (STAMP), and AcciMap in analysing the accident causation process of the 2013 Genting Highlands Bus Crash, which was the deadliest road traffic accident in Malaysia. Using DREAM, this study found that most of the contributing factors originated from maintenance errors and road design issues. On the other hand, STAMP identified inadequate controls and flaws within the road transportation system as contributing factors while AcciMap indicated various direct and indirect factors across different levels within the system. Findings of this study suggest that DREAM can present the accident factors in a succinct graphical representation by using a classification system thus making it easy to carry out and simple to understand. In addition, although both AcciMap and STAMP analyse road traffic accident across different system levels, STAMP is more comprehensive and flexible. However, because STAMP is time consuming and complex, it is more suitable for analyzing major road traffic accidents.

The aim of this study is to examine the Christian perspective on the concept of (Allah) in Nigeria, which contradicts the true understanding of the concept of (Allah) in Islam. It begins with a discussion on the concept of Allah according to the Christian scholars in Nigeria followed by the Muslim scholars in Nigeria. The research continues with the explanation on how the concept of (Allah) is presented in the Qur’Én, ×adith and the work of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. The methodology applied in this study is textual analysis, using descriptive and analytical methods on numerous works on the subject. This study identifies that most of the current module used to understand the concept of Allah by Christian scholars is wrong. Finally, the study concludes that it is crucial for both Muslims and Christians to have a comprehensive knowledge about the concept of (Allah). The proper knowledge would guide them to understand the real God of the entire universe

For the first time in the history of Nigerian Banking Laws, Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA No. 25), 1991 permitted the establishment of Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) banking which is the stamp of authenticity of Islamic Banking system. However, years after the promulgation of the Act, the establishment of Islamic banking system has been made unachievable by the narrow constituted by the same law and other banking related laws, governmental policies and the attitude of the Muslim populace amongst others. Therefore, this research studies the legal framework of SharÊÑah governance in Islamic banking in Nigeria and Malaysia. It was conducted vide qualitative research methodology. It involves both doctrinal and non-doctrinal research. It was revealed that although PLS banking system is approved by the main Nigerian banking law, yet, its provisions are restrictive and lacking in comprehensiveness requisite of the system’s smooth operations. Interest based economic system and fiscal policies of the government, pervading corruption, porous legislative process, the prevailing religious bigotry and lack of legal framework for SharÊÑah governance were identified as threats not only to the establishment but also to the smooth operations of Islamic banking system in Nigeria. The significance of this research lies in the identification and prospects of the foregoing problems and the solutions proffered to avert or limit their negative consequences. The likelihoods that could be taken advantage of, to enhance the possibility of the establishment and operations of SharÊÑah governance framework for Islamic banking system were as much highlighted. However, this research discusses the regulatory framework of the SharÊÑah governance system of the two respective jurisdictions; Malaysia and Bahrain as they provide different distinctive models. Uniquely, the models of SharÊÑah governance of both respective jurisdictions can serve as models for the effective legal framework for SharÊÑah governance of Islamic banking in Nigeria. Unambiguously, it is a sine qua non for the significant differences of SharÊÑah governance system. As from the regulatory overview, Malaysia represents mixed-model legal jurisdiction which is regulatory-based approach and Bahrain represents mixed-model legal environment which is minimalists approach. This research suggests that both regulatory frameworks of SharÊÑah governance system need further enhancement and improvement in order to reinforce the development and growing of Islamic finance industry. This brings into focus the measures and efforts that need to be taken to strengthen the IFIs in Nigeria through enhancing the SharÊÑah governance framework. Also, a sound judicial system and Islamic dispute resolution mechanism in Nigeria are key factors that would help in attracting foreign investors, particularly from the oil rich countries, to invest in the nascent IB industry in Nigeria. Therefore, the models of dispute resolution context that can be easily domesticated into existing mechanisms of dispute resolution are the models of dispute resolution of countries like Malaysia and Pakistan as they have similar colonial histories as Nigeria, and in fact, the element of legal pluralism is another similar trail that these countries share. So, borrowing a leaf from such best practices will help in solving matters in the IB industry in Nigeria. The research concluded that a failure to provide efficient SharÊÑah governance framework either through law or legislation on the part of regulators and the banking sector would inevitably lead to serious disruptions in Islamic finance industry in Nigeria.

Beyond emergence of global Halal industry, Halal is one of the significant bloc markets. The South Korean food industry endeavours to advance its competition in the global Halal food market under various and active industry supports of government. However, South Korean government involvement shows lack of framework and contains limits in its support system. Criticism toward ineffective government support arises as one of the major issues surrounding Halal food industry development and export promotion, the goal of South Korea. This research highlights three major segments, which are identification and comparison of Malaysian and South Korean government’s involvement framework in Halal food industry development. Lastly, the emphases on the applicability of Malaysian experience of government involvement methods and approaches into South Korean government. The study applies qualitative research methodology that included two tracks of data collection which are literature review and interviews. During data collection, library research sources, existing literatures such as government documents, journal articles and related reports utilized. In the case of interviews, open-ended interviews of ten practitioners conducted. Data was collected and analyzed under inductive sorting out procedure, and the utilization of Atlas.ti software to visualize outcomes. This study determines the framework of two government involvement cases through visualized structure map, and compares its differences based on designed criteria. To suggest applicable framework in South Korea which is based on Malaysian experiences, several theoretical concepts are applied. In this study, South Korean government’s involvement in Halal food industry development is categorized under three criteria which are approach, action, and framework level which needs be customized in non-Muslim countries and their environment.

Several researchers have investigated the energy consumption of office buildings in Malaysia. In this study, energy consumption of low energy buildings, strategies, an overview of electricity usage in buildings, and performance evaluation of green buildings in Malaysia, will be conducted. The Faculty of Design and Architecture (FRSB), University Putra Malaysia (UPM) was selected as a case study for this research. The results of this study will become a reference for UPM, as the owner of the FRSB building, to become a pioneer of energy efficiency programs. These results will be compared with the Malaysian Code of Practice Standard for Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Building (MS 1525:2007); in order to identify compliance with that standard. This study will also identify the factors that contribute towards energy consumption for the FRSB building and provide recommendations for minimizing energy usage for education buildings; particularly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and create awareness for building designers and occupants alike. The findings will show that the FRSB building complied with MS 1525:2007, in terms of Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) and overall energy usage. The results presented in this study will confirm that this building’s electricity usage comes mostly from air conditioning and lighting systems. This study will provide suggestions for using a Building Management System (BMS) to control overall energy usage and for the installation of photovoltaic panels; which may help to provide energy by itself. The recommendations provided will attempt to overcome the problems caused by occupant’s behaviour towards energy use.

This thesis analyses major areas related to implementation of the Islamic equity financing modes of mush?rakah and muÌ?rabah by Islamic financial institutions from a Shari’ah perspective, with a view to highlighting important principles and aspects requiring review. It attempts to suggest possible measures for upgrading current practice in order to strengthen the shari’ah basis and realise the socioeconomic objectives of these modes. The research consists of a brief survey of the concept and regulations of shirkah and muÌ?rabah, and a detailed analysis of selected aspects related to four major areas of equity financing by Islamic banks, viz. capital, profit and loss sharing, equity investment accounts and project financing. Under capital in equity financing, the existence of capital at commencement, conversion of debt into capital, and involvement of commodities as capital are analysed. The Shari’ah theory pertaining to the nature of capital is examined in detail. The research shows that the current method for determining the profit sharing ratio in equity ventures based on the application of the rate of return on capital and the period of exposure needs revision. Two alternatives are proposed based on the capital and labour contributions of the partners. Stipulations affecting the functioning of the profit sharing ratio are scrutinised. The effect of withdrawal and period of investment on allocation of profit among investors in equity investment accounts is examined. The study highlights the need for a system for allocation of loss among investors. An alternative scheme for investment accounts is outlined. Important aspects of decreasing partnership and other equity structures for project financing are analysed. It is shown that adopting the equity basis could curb some negative aspects found in debt financing structures.

Sukuk market has witnessed massive development in recent years, many governments and financial institutions expressed interest in Sukuk and its unique Islamic principles. However, the securitization activities and the evolution of financial engineering process of fixed income Sukuk have become very challenging in terms of its conformity with the principles of shariah law. Asset based Sukuk which includes debt securitization that evidences indebtedness originating from the contract of exchange of bay' bi thaman ajil, murabahah, istisna, salam and ijarah Sukuk are seen by many scholars as controversial products. This is due to many issues surrounding the securitization process of the underlying assets used in debt based Sukuk structures such as non-existent assets and future assets (ma'dum), tangible and intangible assets usufruct and rights. Bay' al-inah and dayn are also among the controversial issues analyzed in this study. The evolution of Sukuk structures still remain active and continue to grow despite all the challenges. The meaning of tangible and intangible assets according to their linguistic origin and their various applications in Islamic law are explained and contrasted with the contemporary applications and Sukuk practices. Special attention is given to understanding the concept of futures assets and ayn ma'dum to ascertain whether or not they are acceptable asset for Sukuk transaction. Several forms of Islamic contracts are analyzed in details; couple with their various components in order to assess their validity based on the various opinions of the four main schools of Islamic thought. In this, the differences between schools are identified along with the sources of these differences. The finding of the research shows that asset in debt based Sukuk should be legally owned by the originator and should be free from any encumbrances. Debt based Sukuk certificates may only be negotiable in the secondary market if they form a small part of a larger portfolio comprising mostly of other negotiable instruments such as musharakah, and mudarabah Sukuk. Ijarah asset should be legally transferred to investors and the issuer should not in any circumstance include the asset in his balance-sheet.

The facade plays a key role as both a barrier and a filter between the comfortable `indoors` and the uncontrolled `outdoors`. The degree to which the facade of a building embraces maintenance considerations has a major impact on its performance. In Malaysia, new buildings are erected everyday with modern design featuring complex building facade design which has common problems often found in different types of building facades. These problems have implications in the design, constructions and maintenance of buildings. Every building facade should always be maintained to a high standard so that it will look more value in its appearance and a longer life span. The value of buildings depends on the quality of the maintenance invested in them. Maintenance management involves obtaining maximum benefit from the investment made on the maintenance activities. Maintenance in buildings in Malaysia is on the increase regardless of size, type, location, and ownership. It is necessary to rectify building facade defects and for maintenance purposes as facades is exposed to the climatic condition. The study will find out the building facade defects and other maintenance problems that are heavily attributed to design deficiencies, material limitations and lack of maintenance knowledge. To achieve this aim, three objectives have been set: to identify the types of common building facade defects, to identify its effect on maintenance and to relate the facade defects with maintenance and to recommend the appropriate solutions to improve the establishment of standard building facade maintenance in Malaysia. A study was conducted in three government buildings in Putrajaya to identify the facade defects and its effect on maintenance. The data were analyzed using Relative Index formula. The current maintenance management procedures in Malaysia are, however, condition and reactive based. The weaknesses in the current procedures are the primary problems because they do not explicitly link maintenance needs with building performance with respect to the building users. Findings show that main problems that the maintenance contractors are currently facing are caused by building design deficiencies, poor construction quality, and choice of building material which affects maintenance.

Traditional Malay midwifery practices exhibit a wide vanatlon in plant materials selection. This study established that plant materials composition selection differs greatly with respect to stage of Malay midwifery practices, locality, environmental factors and culture. A total of 13 types of Malay midwifery practices were observed in 11 different states of Malaysia from 31 traditional midwives in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Perlis, N egeri Sembilan and Sarawak. Two practices were performed during prenatal treatment which is the process of lenggang perut and also prenatal diet confinement. 11 other practices were performed during postnatal treatment which can be classified into 4 categories; herbs treatment, heat treatment, massage and abstinence (pantang). The influence of plant materials composition of east coast over west coast in Malaysia or locality x culture x midwifery process x plant materials selection, in relation of creating Malay garden identity established that each factor had an effect on the composition of plant materials selection. However, the most influential factor appeared to be stage of Malay midwifery practices. Each practice has specific purposes and functions which later determine the accumulation of plant materials selection. Of all the Malay midwifery practices studied in this research we found that mandi serom is the most diverse plant species used which portray the habitat or type of environments in which these plant species origin or found. There may be similarities of some species due to similar knowledge, culture or environment; however the magnitude of these effects is not as great as plant materials composition selection and usaga. By identifying the key factors controlling plant materials selection and usage a greater understanding of how certain midwifery practices influence plant species selection and composition in response to interactions with environmental factors as well as culture, belief and taboos will emerge as potential softscape elements tools and indicator in creating identity of Malay landscape for specific culture and locality. Keywords: Malay midwifery, plant material, Malay landscape

This study is designed to explore the interface between policy and law affecting children in Malaysia especially with reference to children’s best interests. This study appraises the philosophical underpinning of certain policies and strategies that had been adopted by the Malaysian government since 1957 in dealing with children’s best interests. In order to understand the relationship, qualitative method was applied. This was carried out by invoking historical approach and using secondary data. A series of government’s reports, international legal instruments, statute and case laws were parts and parcel of the secondary data. Content analysis was also carried out in order to comprehend the issue on children’s welfare that has been interpreted through judicial decisions. This study significantly proves that the existence of diverse statutes on children had prompted different understanding on child best interest principles. In terms of implementation, there is inadequate supervision from the government agencies in conducting the plans of action. This study shows that there are several factors that undermine the role of legislations and diminish the effectiveness of its implementation which include jurisdictional conflict of legal provisions and inadequacy of provisions which can penalize the non-compliance of court’s orders. The interpretation of best interests of child in the Shariah courts also does not correspond with the objectives of maqÉÎid al-SharÊÑah from Islamic point of view. A major obstacle in enforcing the best interests principle in matters pertaining to children are linked to the monitoring system that has not been established properly due to overlapping jurisdiction between different agencies in implementing the similar policy. This study implies that any proposed policy must be based on empirical research evidence and robust since the current practice of formulating social policy and legal reforms was not driven by solid empirical research. This study shows that the nexus between policy and law which affect children’s best interests is still poor as there is no comprehensive policy to protect the overall development of Malaysian children both for Muslim and non Muslim.

In this research, we consider the λ-model with and without competing interaction on Cayley tree of order two. Description of ground states becomes one of the main elements to study as phase diagram of Gibbs measure for a Hamiltonian is close to the phase diagram of isolated ground states of the Hamiltonian. For the λ-model on infinite Cayley tree, we describe the set of periodic and weakly periodic ground states corresponding normal subgroup of the Cayley tree group representation. We construct 81 different combination of configurations and classify the configurations under 10 different regions so that the configurations will achieve ground states. We describe periodic and weakly periodic ground states for the considered model by using periodic and weakly periodic configurations. For the second result of the research, we consider λ-model with competing Potts interaction on Cayley tree of order two. As explained in previous section, we describe the periodic ground states for the considered model. Note that for this model, we have 12 different regions for the configurations to achieve ground states. For some domain of interactions strength, the configuration of periodic ground states cannot be achieved. By using Kolmogorov criteria, Gibbs measures for this model was described by deriving infinite volume distribution using given finite-dimensional distributions and find the probability measures with given conditional probability. By considering translation invariant Gibbs measure, we analyse the system of equations derived and study the phase transition phenomenon by proving the existence of multiple translation-invariant solutions for the system of equations. Phase transitions occurs if there exist two or more solutions.

Abandoned housing projects are pathetic phenomena occurring in the housing industry in Peninsular Malaysia. Even though, the housing industry has developed and permeated throughout the nation since Independence day, a negative phenomenon that keeps recurring is abandoned housing projects. Though land, planning, building and housing laws as ,vell as their regulations have been passed by Parliament with the purpose of control ling and regulating the housing development industry in Peninsular Malaysia, it is regretted that, this catastrophe--abandoned housing projects are still common and persisting until today. Thus, certain review and study is required to reevaluate and re-examine the existing legal provisions and remedies, in particular the Housing Development Act 1966 (Act 118) and its Regulations, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (ON .5178/84 ), the National Land Code 1965 (Act No. 56 of 1965) and other relevant legislations in order to find and investigate clear and potential legal weaknesses which have caused and could cause the abandonment and its consequences. This research, will be based on qualitative case study and will use legal research methods. It intends to explore the facts and the legal phenomena in two (2) abandoned housing projects viz, at Phase II, Taman Harmoni, Lot 82, Mukim of Cheras, District of Hulu Langat, Selangor and Phase I A, Taman Lingkaran Nur, KM 21, Jalan Cheras-Kajang, P.T No. 6443, H.S.(D) No. 16848, Mukim of Cheras, District of Hulu Langat, Selangor. From the research, it is hoped that certain findings in regard to their legal causes, the legal problems plaguing the said projects and legal approaches toward their rehabilitations can be established for future guidelines and suggestions to overcome the same. These will hopefully, assist the authorities concerned to adopt legal policies and take certain legal measures to avoid similar problems from recurring in the future. In case rehabilitation for abandoned housing projects are to be carried out, the findings and suggestions in this research can be applied for facilitating the rehabilitation until full completion.

Over the years, the number of issues on environmental degradation and the severity of each keep climbing at alarming rates causing great adversities onto humanity and biodiversity. All of the efforts made by nations individually and collectively to abate and control the environmental crises have thus far yet to be sufficient. This situation has attracted scores of responses from the world religions on developing frameworks and action plans to resolve this matter successfully. To date, academic writings in this particular area by Muslim scholars of tafsÊr are not many and the works are scattered in different places. There is a need to produce scholarly writings that thoroughly discuss environmental issues in the light of tafsÊr approach.This thesis attempts to address the problems of environmental degradation such as pollution, global warming and loss of biodiversity in the light of Qur’Énic instructions. In addition it analyses the Qur’Én?s perception on natural environment, harmony of man with nature, and the Qur’Énic principles on abatement and control of environmental degradation namely trusteeship, justice, and public interest. It also discusses issue of Sustainable Management of Wetlands, Sustainable Consumption and Production, and Sustainable Waste Management. This study is a library based research employing descriptive, historical, and critical analysis methods. This research finds that the classical and contemporary works of Qur’Énic commentaries are of immense values for Islamic literature in environmental ethics.

The ongoing difference of opinions on ilahiyyah (divinity) has become a source of confusion among common people leading towards division in the Muslim community. Despite vast discussion on ilahiyyah (divinity), little is known about the methodologies of ʻAbd al-Wahhab al-Shaʻrani on its issues. This study provides an understanding of al-Shaʻrani’s synthesis of the methodologies of ahl al-fikr (people of cognitive knowledge) and ahl al-kashf (people of unveiling knowledge) on ilahiyyah (divinity). This study used two methods of assessment, namely data collection and data analysis. Through the method of documentation in the method of data collection, this study examines to two selected al-Shaʻrani’s work entitled al-Yawaqit wa al-Jawahir fi Bayan ʻAqa’id al-Akabir and al-Qawaʻid al-Kashfiyyah al-Muwaddihah li Maʻani al-Sifat al-Ilahiyyah. The study concludes that Al-Shaʻrani developed a more effective approach to understand ambiguous Qur’anic verses (mutashabihat). Al-Shaʻrani uses both methodologies with priority given to the usage of knowledge by presence (al-ʻilm al-huduri).