KUCHING: A study of Muslims in Sarawak was conducted by Harakah Islamiah (HIKMAH) Sarawak and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth Malaysia (WAMY).
Chaired by Professor Dr. Russly Abdul Rahman, it was conducted due to four main factors such as Muslim as minority in the state, the Sarawak culture, the authority of Christian Institutions and the competitive Dakwah model.
The study revolves significantly on correcting the people’s perception of Islam especially with the current false view of the religion in international media.
Hence, Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that study such as this is important for the development of Islam in Malaysia.
“Study like this is the core factor that will promote the development of Islam in Malaysia and such Ijtihad (effort) needs to be carried as time changes.
“’Muslims in Sarawak are also equally important to the state and also to the whole country for all the people to prepare us (Muslims) to face future challenges,” said Johari.
His text of speech was read yesterday by Assistant Minister of Coastal Road, Datuk Julaihi Narawi during the launching ceremony of the ‘Muslims in Sarawak’ study roundtable conference, yesterday.
It was held at the Islamic Information Centre (IIC), here. The findings of the research were also presented after the ceremony had ended.
Johari then continued by pointing out that emergence of Islam in Sarawak is strongly influenced by the influential Sultanate of Brunei.
During a seminar in the year 1993, Johari said that he had tabled a working paper on ‘The Need For Integrated Dakwah Movement in Sarawak’.
“Here in Sarawak, we are still facing challenges in Dakwah such as limited human and financial resources, lacking in the streamlining of Dakwah activities, massive state demographic and scattered settlement statewide.
“Nevertheless, we will not stop from supporting any organisations or NGOs on Islamic Development initiatives,” said Johari.
