KUCHING: Sarawak Islamic Department (JAIS) and other Islamic agencies must continue to strengthen the efforts in dignifying Islamic teachings, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He stressed that the efforts must be done harmoniously without affecting the religions of non-Muslims.
He noted that the development of Jais throughout the 30 years of its existence reflected the political, economic and social stability of the state.
“The evolution of Islamic affairs management in forging excellent achievements was the result of the seriousness of all Jais’ employees in supporting the trust given by the state leadership.
“This excellence was also the result of strategic cooperation by all parties, especially non-governmental Islamic organisations (NGOs) and the harmonious atmosphere that we maintain together,” he stated.
He also informed that many other efforts have been, are and will be implemented by the state government to ensure that Islam remains preserved and its people protected.
He said this when speaking at the Jais’ Pearl Jubilee thanksgiving ceremony at Masjid Darul Hana in Petra Jaya here yesterday (Aug 15).
Gracing the event was the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib.
Jais’ director Khalidi Ibrahim revealed that the department which started with only 178 positions in 1990 has about 477 positions at present.
“In conjunction with our Pearl Jubilee celebration, Jais is determined to strengthen the unity of Muslims in the state, nurture life-long learning, turn mosques into excellence centres and improve its services,” he said.
Also present at the function were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha; State Imam Besar Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi; and State Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin.
