Abang Johari (centre) presents the assistance to a recipient as (from left) Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak general manager Abang Mohd Sibhibli Abang Mohd Nailie, Dr Abdul Rahman, Misnu and Abdul Karim look on.
KUCHING: Muslims in the state are told not to be left out but to stay united as the state progresses towards modernisation.
They should also know that the progress enjoyed by Sarawakians is due to the ability of the people to unite and find a common ground to understand each other, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out.
“At the same time, I want Muslims in the state to adapt to the glory era of Islam, more than 700 years ago when there were many Muslim scholars in various fields,” he said.
He was speaking at the ‘Seminar Pembangunan Ummah’ at Dewan Majma’ Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah yesterday.
The Chief Minister also reminded that the government had always looked into empowering everyone, not just Muslims, to progress economically even though they might be located in remote parts of Sarawak.
“Take for example the coastal road development project by the state. We realised that apart from the Pan Borneo, there were settlements, towns and villages located in remote coastal areas along the shores of Sarawak.
“The construction of the coastal road will bring development and economic opportunity to these people, who are mostly Muslims. Therefore, use whatever development that are brought to you and take advantage of them by participating in economic activities,” he added.
The government, according to Abang Johari, can only assist and open up opportunities, but it all goes down to individuals whether they want to take up the challenge.
“To assist the agricultural sector for example, we had purchased a cargo plan which will be attached to Hornbill Skyways which will be used to export our goods. There are markets outside the state as we have the resources for agricultural products,” he said.
Taking examples from the era of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W, Abang Johari said Muhammad’s administration which focused on equality of everyone is the first ever model of a fair government, as stated under the Madinah Constitution.
“Under the constitution, everyone is treated equally and must work together. This is a good model to be adopted by the state. In the context of Sarawak, the government comprises people of various races and religions, which is a testament of our equal treatment to everyone,” he added.
The Chief Minister also urged Muslims in the state to be wary of potential threats to divide Muslims, and warned that disunity would further prevent Muslims from enjoying better development and lives.
Later on, he presented assistance from the State Islamic Council (MIS) through the Sarawak Baitulmal Fund to several recipients.
The seminar, organised by the State Islamic Religious Department (Jais) saw presentations of several working papers.
Among those present were Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah,
Rural Electricity Assistant Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and MIS president Datu Misnu Taha.