KUCHING, Aug 2: Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah received a courtesy call from Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma) Sarawak to discuss matters related to the association.
According to a press statement, among matters discussed were related association activities for 2019 and 2020, including post-Covid-19 activity, with the objective of bridging the gap, ensuring that after the conversion process, the person who just converted to Islam is able to assimilate, integrate and follow the teaching of Islam.
The history of Muslim converts in Sarawak started with Urusetia Saudara Baru, then continued in 1996 when Macma Sarawak was established and introduced to cater especially for Chinese converts due to the language barrier.
“I am very glad to see it is still in existence. It is very difficult to sustain the activity of non-governmental organisation (NGOs) especially religious based unless they have a very committed leader and good team or committee,” Fatimah highlighted.
She noted that Macma also helps converts to assimilate into the community as well as adopt, adapt and learn a new way of life.
“A very significant contribution by the converts themselves when they showed that even though they have converted to [Islam], the family ties are still there where the relationship between them and their parents are still the same. That helps to change the perceptions,” she added.
At the same time, Fatimah also congratulated Macma Sarawak for being able to change the perceptions of the general public about when someone changes their religion.
“From its humble beginning, to date, the association has over 600 members and increasingly shows its ability to deal with challenges and problems in order to meet the objectives of its establishment.
“For those who need more information on MACMA, they may contact 082-232791 or email macmaswk@gmail.com,” she added. — DayakDaily
