KHUCING: The Madinah Constitution served as the cornerstone on which the Sarawak government was built, enabling it to create and govern this state that is home to a diverse society.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the world’s first written constitution, drafted under the direction of Muslim leaders, took non-Muslims’ interests into account.
The rights and obligations of Muslims are on equal ground with those of non-Muslims, he asserted, which is why this state has such a prosperous environment.
“This constitution establishes an Islamic government led by our Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. It also mentions the Islamic government’s obligations to all those it governs, including non-Muslims, who must be treated with respect, fairness, and equality.
“I am very grateful that Muslims are so unified in one congregation, and that the non-Muslim community has given us the authority to command Sarawak in their stead,” he said during the Islamic agencies thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) yesterday (Jan 12).
Abang Johari noted, as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), that he made an effort to strengthen da’wah-related issues throughout his leadership to develop Islamic culture and morals.
“When I was appointed to succeed the late Pehin Sri Adenan, it was my intention to further strengthen the position of the Muslim community and our religion so that we could portray it to the public as a religion of peace. This is crucial and we don’t want to get into a fight with anyone.
“I have the support of close cooperation between the administration, which is the public service, and the government leadership for us to implement what we have to implement. That is why we have programmes that we have put together and we want to continue according to the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.
Abang Johari concluded the ceremony by cutting a piece of yellow glutinous rice. This was followed by zikir marhaban and the recitation of prayers of gratitude.
Earlier, he performed the Maghrib and Isyak prayers with the congregation and recited the yassin with the agencies present.
The thanksgiving ceremony involved Islamic agencies under MIS, namely the Sarawak Department of Islamic Religion, Sarawak Mufti Department, Sarawak Sharia Justice Department, Sarawak Baitulmal Fund, Malaysian Islamic Development Department, Malaysian Islamic Skills Institute Sarawak, Tabung Haji, Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board , Islamic Religious Office Kuching/Sri Aman/Serian Division, Ma’had Tahfiz Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, SK Agama Abdul Kadir Hassan and SMK Agama Tun Ahmad Zaidi.
Also present were the Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi and MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha.
