KUCHING: Muslim communities in Sarawak must continue to build good relationship with those of other faiths. Rural Electricity Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said good friendship
will build understanding and respect.
“In Sarawak there are people of different religions and races, and Muslims being part of this multiracial society play an important role in keeping the peace and harmony among us,” he said during the Islamic Leadership and Religious Colloquium at Riverside Majestic Hotel, yesterday.
The two-day colloquium organised by Bina-Hikmah (a Muslim non-governmental organisation), was attended by 1,000 members who were celebrating Bina-Hikmah’s 50th anniversary.
He said Sarawak’s main “ingredient” is its unity where people have a strong level of tolerance and can accept one another.
Tolerance and acceptance among Sarawakians have become a culture that must be nurtured for future generations, he added.
On the challenges ahead, he said one of these is the digital era.
“Muslims have to adapt to these changes brought about by the Internet and the usage of social media.
“We can use the social media to promote the true teaching of Islam, and how we can promote peace with the non-Muslims,” he pointed out.
He urged Bina-Hikmah to work with other Muslim NGOs to organise more forums or colloquiums, to discuss the latest development in Islam, and most importantly what the Muslim communities can undertake in this highly challenging world.
Also speaking was chairperson of the colloquium Datuk Abang Mohammad Shibli Abang Mohd Naillie, who is also the general manager of Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak.
“Personally, social media is for us to share the truth, where we can work together to promote peace and unity,” he stressed.
He said social media rather than being use to spread hatred, should be taken as a tool that can develop the positive side of people.
Also present was Hikmah president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
