KUCHING: Sarawak needs to be a role model to the whole nation in handling racism and religious issues. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the phenomenon of racial and religious upheaval is alarming. He added that the nation is facing an increase in Islamic extremism in which groups that adopt radical paths exist.
“These groups believe that they are the ones representing real Islam, labelling certain people as ‘kafir’ (infidel) and ‘munafiq’ (hypocrite). “Those who do not support them are ‘murtad’ (apostate).
“That’s why it’s important for us to handle these issues. We hope that Sarawak can be a role model … show us how to live in a multi-racial and multi-religious society,” said Mujahid at the closing ceremony of the statelevel Wacana Eksekutif Maqasid Syariah held at Sarawak Islamic Complex here yesterday. He also reminded the people not to confuse the principle of ‘Rahmatan Lil Alamin’ under the implementation of Maqasid Syariah in the government administration where ‘munkar’ (reprehensive acts) and its doers are two different things.
To him, “we should not approach evil-doers by mocking, scolding or abandoning them but instead guide them back to the right path of Islam”. This, he said, should not be mistaken as allowing or recognising the party who is trying to bring down Islam. Around 1,200 members of the public attended the programme which was officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The programme aimed to provide awareness and explanation through firsthand information on the implementation of the Maqasid Syariah in the governance of the country in line with the government’s new policies based on the principle of ‘Rahmatan Lil Alamin.’
