This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 18: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg joins a congregation of over 2,500 at Masjid Jamek here to usher in Maal Hijrah 1445.
The ceremony began with the reciting of the 1444H year-end doa led by Sarawak Imam Besar Dato Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
This was followed by Maghrib prayers, the doa for 1445H, reciting of the Yassin, and Isyak prayers.
There was also a talk on ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ delivered by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Islam Affairs officer Iszam Padil.
In attendance were Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Datuk Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha; and Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) director Khalidi Ibrahim.
At the same time, the ceremony was broadcast live to 11 divisional mosques throughout Sarawak.
Also present in their respective divisions were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak-cum-Kuala Rajang assemblyman Datuk Len Talif Salleh in Sarikei Division; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development-cum-Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (Sibu); Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip (Bintulu); Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports-cum-Layar assemblyman Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu (Betong); Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi and Tellian assemblyman (Mukah); Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (Sri Aman); Temenggong Datuk Abdul Rahman Fadzil (Miri) and Limbang District Officer Sulaiman Engal (Limbang).
For the record, Awal Muharram (first month of Islamic calendar) or Maal Hijrah is very important to Muslims as it commemorates the migration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW from the city of Makkah to Madinah in the year 622 AD. — DayakDaily
