KUCHING: The Sarawak government is greatly emphasising research and development (R&D) to utilise the state’s wealth.
In connection with this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg urged the people not to only give waqf contributions in the form of physical assets, but also via R&D.
“Donations can also be given for R&D that help stimulate critical thinking among Sarawakians,” he said during a press conference after he launched the International Conference on Waqf and Endowment (ICWE) 2023 held at a hotel here, today (March 16).
The way he looks at it, the Sarawak government’s initiative to help mitigate climate change by going for green energy and carbon trading, is a form of waqf as it ultimately benefits everybody.
“Our economy is not like it used to be, especially since Sarawak now manages carbon trading and agriculture … which means that if we have the land, we need to work on the land.
“This is part of waqf, from the brain (thinking), that will benefit society in general. Therefore, It is my view that when you want to do waqf, it is beyond buildings and properties. It is more about brain development,” he said.
At the same time, he also called for more Muslim scientists to play their role in R&D.
“That’s part of the reasons that the Sarawak government established international schools. We must not have a flip-flop education system. Our children must have talent which is a mechanism for development.
“If we want to increase our talents, we must have a mastery of languages which has to be done through research. This is one of the agendas of the Sarawak government,” he said.
