By Ashley Sim and Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, July 11: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg proposes constructing more mosques featuring distinctive architecture of other ethnic identities, such as the mosques in China.
Abang Johari said Sarawak will be able to carry out “dakwah”, or the spread of Islamic teachings, because it is a multi-racial society with such architecture.
“Maybe within the new settlement areas where the non-Muslims are the majority, we can build mosques with the architectural identity of other ethnics, much like (the Islamic Information Centre) in Jalan Ong Tian Swee which has a touch of traditional Chinese architecture.
“If we have a multiracial society and such architecture similar to mosques in China, we can carry out our ‘dakwah’,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony of the Al-Qadim Mosque in Sibu earlier today.
Abang Johari further said as the State’s population increases, there is a need for an increase in houses of worship too.
“For the Muslim community, the more mosques we build, there will be more worshippers praying. And when we pray a lot, Allah will definitely help us,” he added.
He also said as Sarawak is home to a multiracial society, it is important for the Muslim leaders to implement ‘dakwah bil-hal’ (actions) where they must manage and govern the State peacefully and fairly.
“I want to uphold our Prophet Muhammad’s message when he formed the government in Medina, which is the Medina Charter, that gives justice to all Muslims and non-Muslims under Islamic government,” he elaborated.
Also present were the Premier’s wife Datuk Amar Jumaani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee who is also the Nangka assemblyman; Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunications, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) president Datu Misnu Taha and Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce. — DayakDaily
