By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 31: Three key resolutions from the International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026 will be brought to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The resolutions, which include efforts to strengthen waqf governance and expand its role in community development, were among the outcomes of the convention held in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.
Abang Johari said one of the resolutions involved establishing a working group to examine the structure of waqf management according to syariah principles.
He said the proposal for the working group was suggested by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, following discussions on strengthening the waqf ecosystem.
“This is important, it must be in accordance with syariah. This means we can expand the way we contribute our knowledge and assets through syariah for the benefit of humanity,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) president, said the proposal had been received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and would subsequently be brought to JAKIM, noting that Islamic affairs fall under the jurisdiction of the respective states and rulers.
“Alhamdulillah, the Prime Minister has received it. Therefore, we are proposing it to JAKIM, because religious matters fall under the respective states and their rulers.
“Insya-Allah, if a proposal comes from a Sultan with such high intellect, we can certainly further develop and expand the concept of waqf,” he added.
He revealed this during the Ziarah Mahabbah Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) 1448H/2026M Central Zone programme at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja in Mukah today, according to a live broadcast by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Abang Johari further said the effort aimed to broaden the concept of waqf beyond conventional contributions such as land and property, by also recognising knowledge as an instrument to uplift society.
“The instrument that can help society is knowledge. If it is agriculture, it must have knowledge. We provide this knowledge with the intention of improving the condition of society,” he said.
The Premier also said the approach represented Sarawak’s contribution towards strengthening waqf implementation and ensuring its benefits could reach the wider community.
“This is Sarawak’s contribution. Alhamdulillah, I am also trying to provide a new approach. If this happens, it means the welfare of the Muslim community will be assured,” he emphasised.
Also present during the Ziarah Mahabbah programme were Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Health Minister Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha and wife Datin Jamilah Said; Sarawak Mufti Datu Khalidi Ibrahim and wife Datin Faizah Abdullah; Chief Syarie Judge of Sarawak, Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi; and Darul Hana Al-Quran Development Centre, Sarawak Islamic Council (DHQC-MIS) chief executive officer Mohamad Shalahudin Marzuki who is also the joint coordinator for Ziarah Mahabbah MIS 2026 programme. — DayakDaily
