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KUCHING, June 27: The Islamic community must rise to the challenge of the “new economy” and fast-paced technological development in order to always stay on top of the dynamics of economics.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Muslim communities, particularly those residing in societies with a minority Muslim population, should work towards upgrading their economic status as a precursor to building a strong and well-respected society within larger communities.
“Being able to command technology and embrace the economy geared towards addressing climate change and sustainability would position Muslim communities in good stead vis-a-vis other communities,” he said in a statement today.
Abang Johari highlighted this in his speech during a dinner hosted by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) at a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday (June 26) evening in conjunction with his visit as the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of East Asia and the Pacific (Riseap) president.
The Premier expressed his belief that the acceptance of Islam as a peaceful religion could be achieved as a consequence of the Muslim community’s sound economic standing.
Reflecting on the lessons from Islamic civilisation, he noted that the first 500 years was an era of Islamic glory that was then followed by the next 500 years of decline as the seat of knowledge and technology shifted to the Western world.
Therefore, Abang Johari urged dinner attendees and the Muslim community as a whole to recognise the value of data as the “new oil” and digitalisation as an important enabler of economic success for any community in both the present and future eras.
“I have chosen New Zealand as the first stop in a series of visits to member countries considering Sarawak’s long standing relationship with the Kiwi country through the Commonwealth Colombo plan scholarships in the 1950s.
“Sarawakian students used to be sent to study in universities here under the scholarship programme including those who were later elected to high office as State and Federal ministers,” he elaborated.
He thus viewed the existing knowledge acquisition and sharing between New Zealand and Sarawak as an opportunity to be revitalised through the Riseap platform.
During the event, Abang Johari also announced a USD100,000 financial contribution from Sarawak to FIANZ for its projects and programmes.
This morning, the Premier visited the Islamic Centre at the outskirts of the city where he was briefed of its development that included a mosque by FIANZ officials.
As a symbolic gesture, he planted an olive tree at the Centre to commemorate his visit. Additionally, he attended prayers at a local mosque, joining the local Muslim community.
Riseap, which now comprises 24 member countries, was formed in 1980 with Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, as its founding president. Its primarily objective was to unite Muslim-minority countries in East Asia and the Pacific, fostering collective efforts for the advancement of the Islamic cause.
The Premier’s visit to Riseap’s Southern Zone marked his first official visit to member countries since assuming the role of president of the regional Islamic association in January this year.
Riseap’s other zones are the Northern Zone covering Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan while the Central Zone includes Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.
The Southern Zone consists of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Caledonia and Western Samoa.
Abang Johari, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Utility, who also oversees Islamic affairs, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Mufti Datu Kipli Yasin and Riseap Honourary secretary Dato Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar arrived in Auckland on Sunday night for a two-day visit. — DayakDaily
