Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib were also present at the celebration yesterday.
SRI AMAN: The Muslims in Sarawak need to create a generation of Muslims who are adhering firmly to the teachings of Islam and young generation of Muslims known as the ‘Ulul Albab’, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In his address at the state-level Maal Hijrah 1441 Assembly at Sri Aman Civic Centre yesterday, which was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Abang Johari also called upon Sarawakian Muslims, especially the younger generation, to be ‘a dynamic, competitive, viable and highly valued lot’.
He said the demands of today’s ‘hijrah’ not only referred to a move from one place to another, but also the transformation or change of mind as well as a culture based on Islamic teachings.
“The meaning of the pilgrimage is also based on faith and piety that can change the landscape of faith, worship, morals, social and civilization and the future of the ‘ummah’ (society),” he said.
Through this year’s Maal Hijrah theme of ‘Negara Rahmah Ummah Sejahtera’ (Blessed Nation, Prosperous Society), Abang Johari said that it clearly underscored the importance of Muslims in Sarawak to unite in achieving their common goals.
This, he pointed out, was especially so in view that Muslims in some West Asian countries were still trapped in a state of unrest caused by foreign intervention or internal strife.
“We in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak, should be thankful that Allah continues to bless our country and state with peace and justice. For that, we need to keep praying and striving to maintain and improve this atmosphere forever,” he said.