KUCHING: For Sarawak’s Muslim community to advance in line with the state’s goals, they have to focus on educational enhancement, rational dakwah (Islamic propagation), and maintain good relationships with others, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that strengthening education included familiarisation with technology, marketing, economics, and banking in order to advance.
He shared that during his recent function at Serikin, he had met a Bidayuh woman who was selling her rattan bags and baskets online to buyers in the United States, earning her an annual income of RM200,000.
“Hopefully, people from our Muslim community can follow suit and be successful like her,” he said, believing that if they were technologically savvy then they would be able to achieve this.
He said this when officiating at the launch of Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) Wawasan Ummah Gemilang 20-30 at Kompleks Islam Sarawak hall here yesterday.
On dakwah, Abang Johari said, “We do not force others to adopt Islam as their religion.”
He explained that if Muslims were good people, others would respect them and be more open to Islam. “If they have the willingness to embrace Islam, that is their choice,” he said.
In addition, he said that the Muslim community have to uphold good relationships with all people, regardless of their religious background.
“This is to maintain harmony in the nation,” he emphasised.
The Chief Minister explained that ‘20-30’ in the programme title referred to the state government’s plan to make Sarawak the most advanced state in Malaysia by 2030.
“If Sarawak is to become the most advanced state, how about its people? Can it be said that the people are most advanced in terms of their social, economic, and educational standards?” he asked.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha.
