By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Sept 4: Live in moderation because ‘extremism’ even in mindset and views can disrupt and damage the peace the community and country now enjoyed.
Giving this advice to the Muslim community and all communities in Sarawak, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg reminded the that Islam required the people to live in moderation.
“Not being extreme, even in our thoughts and views. We cannot simply berate other people.
“If we are extreme, we will be fighting each other. Then, there will be no peace among our community, and our country,” he addressed the opening of the Mosque and Surau Integrity Leadership Seminar Sarawak 2020 held here today.
Abang Johari thus emphasised that Sarawak was blessed with no fighting and aggression because in the end, it was only the people who would lose out.
“We know Allah will lead us in the right path as we seek in our prayers for 17 times every day and if it is not meant to be, we don’t have to fight over it.
“When the country was facing the Covid-19 crisis, there were those fighting over Malaysia. Then, there was no Prime Minister so whether they like it or not, they asked Sarawak for help on our decision.
“So when the Agong called while I was at Belaga, I said we (Sarawak government) will support (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin). That in turn helped to stabilise the country,” he shared of the time the country plunged into a week of political crisis with no leadership in February this year.
With stability, he reiterated that the government can then plan out and implement various assistance and programmes to help the people get by and through the hard times as the country strived to recover from the pandemic.
Abang Johari thus stressed that integrity was a value that all people should uphold especially in administering and managing the state and country.
But building character through good actions, he added, demanded that people have knowledge.
“That’s why we are gathered here today to acquire knowledge to enhance our values and principles.
“In turn, we want to enhance the management of mosques and surau so as to give a good environment for our people to worship… and then how to find resources and funding for mosques (and surau) in the halal way,” he said.
Stressing on the importance of knowledge, Abang Johari urged people especially the Muslim community to continue seeking and enhancing their knowledge.
“All the work, duties and responsibilities that we do and carry require not only knowledge but also integrity and trustworthiness.
“In the end of life, we are accountable and answerable to Allah of the tasks and duties given to us,” he added.
Referring to a philosopher, he reminded: “Integrity without knowledge makes it hard for humans to move forward, but if a person has knowledge without integrity, he is worse than the first.”
With knowledge and integrity, Abang Johari said people can advance forward to develop oneself and contribute to society.
“Knowledge, integrity and trustworthiness are interrelated and should be the pillar for Muslims in life.
“Today, we remind ourselves (of these values) because as humans, we all have weaknesses. With this approach in life, Sarawak will be more peaceful and prosperous,” he added.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Assistant Minister of Islamic Affairs Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat were present. — DayakDaily
