By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 26: Waqf could provide Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) with a more sustainable source of funding to expand assistance for new Muslims, including education, skills development and welfare programmes, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari, who is also PERKIM’s national president said effective waqf management could help the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) strengthen its financial resources while extending support to those seeking to improve their livelihoods.
“Waqf has great potential to support dakwah and welfare efforts on a continuous basis.
“Through proper management, the benefits of waqf can be extended to education, skills development, the welfare of new Muslims and programmes that help improve people’s livelihoods,” he said at PERKIM’s 65th National Annual General Meeting at a hotel here on Sunday (Oct 25).
To realise this potential, he called on the organisation to examine the views and resolutions from the International Waqf for Dakwah Convention 2026, held in July, and translate them into practical measures to strengthen its funding and organisational capacity.
“A more sustainable financial base would enable PERKIM to maintain its dakwah and welfare programmes while responding to the evolving needs of the communities it serves,” he said.
Beyond financial sustainability, he stressed that PERKIM’s outreach must be guided by wisdom, moderation and compassion, particularly in Sarawak, where people of different religions, races and cultures live alongside one another.
He said mutual respect, understanding and acceptance of differences were essential to preserving social harmony, adding that these values should be reflected in the organisation’s dakwah, welfare and educational initiatives.
“Public trust in PERKIM must be safeguarded through good governance and prudent resource management, ensuring that waqf funds and other resources are used effectively to benefit those they are intended to help.
“I hope stronger waqf management will provide PERKIM with the resources needed to sustain our dakwah and welfare efforts while extending meaningful assistance to those in need,” he said. — DayakDaily
