LAWAS: Muslims should not be influenced by heretical teachings and hearsay on social media as it will tarnish Islam itself, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He called on them to move forward and stand on the same level as other communities in line with changing times and the advent of technology in the sophisticated and modern world.

In addition, he wants Muslims to seize every opportunity that can benefit individuals and the community in general.

“We have to change and that change comes from ourselves. We may be a small community but thanks to our unity with other religions, we can work with each other.

“Insya Allah, whatever we do in accordance with the teachings of Islam, we will get happiness in life in this world and in the hereafter,” he said at the Khatam Al-Quran Tadarus long distance closing ceremony in conjunction with Ramadhan.

The event was organised by the Lawas branch of Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) at Masjid Darul Ma’ mur, on Monday (April 25).

Awang Tengah reminded Muslims to practise the Islamic was of life through the Al-Quran to maintain peace and unity, stressing the importance of living in harmony with other religions in Sarawak.

He said the Al-Quran was important for Muslims and hoped they would continue to integrate the holy book into their daily lives.

The Bukit Sari assemblyman urged the Muslim community to encourage youth to recite and learn from the holy book as it contained the knowledge of life and important moral values in life.

“Islam also emphasises unity among us even in the diversity of races, religions, cultures and so on. If we value this diversity and respect each other, then our lives will be peaceful.”

Awang Tengah also stressed that their religion emphasised the need to work hard and strive for success in life in whatever challenges they faced.

“We must also maintain respect for each other so that we succeed in the hereafter and our children must be taught good values so that when they grow up they become successful people,” he added.

Later the deputy premier officiated at the presentation of contributions and donations by Lembaga Amanah Khairat Islam Lawas to suraus and mosques from the Lawas district.

Present were PERKIM Lawas chairwoman Datuk Dayang Hajah Morliah Awang Daud, Limbang Division acting Resident Sebi Abang, political secretary to the Sarawak Premier Awangku Zainal Abidin Jawa, Lawas District Officer Ladin Atok, officers from government agencies and community leaders.

The next day, Awang Tengah attended the fast-breaking event at Hotel Seri Malaysia, organised by the Resident and District Office (RANDO), Lawas District Office.

Before the event, he presented asnaf assistance from Agro Bank to SMK Lawas, SMK Agama MIS Lawas, SK Aru, SK Pusat Lawas, SK Batu Lima and SK Awat-Awat.

He also presented dividends of about RM3 million to a Ladang Rakyat Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA).

Present were Bank Lawas manager Mohamad Rabau, members of RANDO Lawas, government officials and community leaders.