KUCHING: The key to Sarawak’s progress throughout the years has always been communal harmony among the various communities, says Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
The Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication pointed out that Sarawak was fortunate to have leaders who have always prioritised racial and religious harmony among the many races.
“Sarawak builds its principles of Islam through the Sarawak Islamic Council, conveying the message of Islam in the pillars of ‘wasadiah’ and radiating kindness as well as imparting the values of compassion to the communities.
“Sarawak also emphasises on fostering peace values within families where parents become exemplary Muslim practitioners to their offspring and the government compliments it to strengthen Muslim families, especially ‘mualaf’ families through the council’s Unit Saudara Kita.”
Dr Abdul Rahman said this in his welcoming remark during the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific’s (RISEAP) 19th General Assembly here on Tuesday (Jan 3).
As such, he said the RISEAP assembly was not just an event but a festival of ideas and wisdom to foster relationship and develop Muslim kinship.
Meanwhile, RISEAP deputy president Ridzuan Wu said besides Kuching, RISEAP had been organising its general assemblies in Bangkok, Singapore, Taiwan, Bogor, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
Over 100 delegates from 19 countries—Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia—are taking part.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to officiate at the event.
Also present were federal Deputy Minister of Economy and RISEAP vice-president (Women’s Wing) Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki and other distinguished guests.
