AUCKLAND: Muslims have been advised to adapt to challenges posed by the new economy and technological developments.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Muslims living in communities where they are the minority must upgrade their economic status in order to build a strong and well-respected society.
“Being able to command technology and embrace an economy geared towards addressing climate change and sustainability will put Muslim communities in good stead,” he said.
He said this during a dinner hosted by FIANZ (Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand) at a local hotel, here on Monday (June 26) in conjunction with his visit as President of RISEAP (Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of East Asia and the Pacific).
Abang Johari expressed his belief that the acceptance of Islam as a peaceful religion resulted from the good economic standing of the Muslim community.
Reflecting on Islamic civilisation and its lesson to Muslims of today, he said the first 500 years was an era of Islamic glory that was then followed by the next 500 years of decline as the seat of knowledge and technology moved to the Western world.
Therefore, he reminded attendees at the dinner and Muslims as a whole to recognise data as the “new oil” and digitalisation as an important enabler of economic success for any community in the present and future.
He pointed out that he had chosen New Zealand as the first stop in a series of visits to member countries considering Sarawak’s long-standing relationship with the country through the Commonwealth Colombo Plan scholarships in the 1950s.
“Sarawakian students used to be sent to study in universities here under the scholarship programme including those who were later elected to high office as state and federal ministers.
“As such, knowledge acquisition and sharing between New Zealand and Sarawak was nothing new and should be rekindled in the present era through the RISEAP platform,” he said.
During the dinner, Abang Johari announced a USD100,000 financial contribution from Sarawak to FIANZ for its projects and programmes.
On a separate occasion, Abang Johari visited the Islamic Centre at the outskirts of the city where he was briefed on its development that included a mosque by officials of FIANZ on Tuesday (June 27).
He planted an olive tree at the centre to commemorate his visit, following a visit to a mosque and joined local Muslims to perform prayers.
