The final report of the Malaysian Syariah Index will be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in March next year, says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He said five universities which had conducted their studies on the Malaysian Syariah Index throughout the year would present their reports before the final findings were announced by the prime minister.

"The announcement is not only confined to the result of the findings as the index will continue. Every year, we will evaluate to find out if there is growth and development in the implementation of the policies, and if the Islamic law objectives are met," he said.

Dr Asyraf said this after a ceremony to launch the Sabah State Malaysian Syariah Index Executive Discourse here Monday.

According to Dr Asyraf, generally since achieving independence the development of Islam in the country had been very positive and was in contrast to other Muslim countries.