SIMANGGANG: The accounts of mosques and surau must be transparent and managed properly, says Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
“A mosque or a surau that is administered well will become orderly, not only physically but the congregation will also be able to perform their acts of worship in comfort.
“In terms of fund contributions for properly administered mosques and surau, they are bound to receive more from the congregation and the public due to them (congregation and the public) have faith in the management,” said the Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman).
Talib was officiating at the Sri Aman Division Mosques and Surau Leadership Integrity Seminar here on Tuesday (Nov 30).
He pointed out that the Sarawak Islamic Council had implemented several initiatives to enhance the competence and integrity of the management of mosques and surau.
“Among them, the Sarawak Mosque Star Rating Standard Programme. Getting five stars means that the mosque or surau is adequate in all aspects of administration, financial management, security, cleanliness and cheerfulness. I call on all mosques and surau to strive for a five-star rating.
“I am confident that with these initiatives, the management and administration of mosques and surau will be more orderly and systematic.”
On the seminar, Talib said it aimed at achieving three main objectives – to cultivate integrity and good governance in the management of mosques and surau; to improve understanding and skills on the efficient and effective management of mosques and surau; and to make mosques and surau as ummah (Muslim community) development institutions.
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented prizes to the winners of the Sarawak Integrity Virtual Public Speaking Competition (Sayembara Pidato Maya Integriti Peringkat Negeri Sarawak).
Also present were Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and DBKU) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha.
