By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 26: Digital platforms could help Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) reach younger audiences, but its priority must remain guiding new Muslims and supporting their well-being beyond their initial conversion, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said new Muslims needed continued religious guidance, welfare assistance and opportunities to improve their livelihoods, making it essential for PERKIM to provide support beyond the conversion process.
“In the context of new Muslims, PERKIM’s responsibility does not end after someone embraces Islam. They need continuous guidance, welfare support and opportunities to build a better life,” he said at PERKIM’s 65th National Annual General Meeting at a hotel here on Sunday (Oct 25).
Abang Johari, who is also PERKIM’s national president, emphasised that effective dakwah must extend beyond religious instruction to encompass good conduct, compassion and practical assistance to others, regardless of their background.
“Dakwah also requires us to demonstrate Islamic values through good character, concern and a willingness to help others.
“An approach grounded in wisdom and compassion will bring dakwah closer to the community,” he said.
Alongside this emphasis on personal conduct, he called for PERKIM to adapt its outreach to changing communication habits, particularly those of younger generations.
He said digital platforms and social media offered opportunities to broaden access to religious knowledge, provided the information shared was accurate and messages were conveyed responsibly.
“Digital platforms and social media could widen the reach of religious knowledge, but their effectiveness would depend on the accuracy of information and the wisdom with which messages were conveyed,” he said.
To ensure the organisation remained relevant to younger people, Abang Johari also called for greater youth participation in PERKIM’s activities, including opportunities to contribute ideas, gain experience and prepare for future leadership roles.
He said developing young leaders was important to ensuring continuity in the organisation’s dakwah and welfare work.
At the organisational level, he stressed the need for closer cooperation between PERKIM’s national leadership and state branches so that programmes could be tailored to the needs of local communities.
In Sarawak, where people of different religions, races and cultures live alongside one another, he said dakwah must uphold mutual respect, understanding and compassion to preserve social harmony. — DayakDaily
