Premier proposes trust body to safeguard Muslim assets, boost community wealth

Abang Johari (seated, sixth left) flanked by Awang Suhaili on his left in a photo with other distinguished guests at the opening of the Syariah Legal Year Sarawak 2025 dinner at a local hotel in Kuching on Jan 22, 2025. Photo credit: Ukas
Advertisement

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed the establishment of a dedicated trust body to manage and protect Muslim assets in the region, particularly those at risk of being compromised due to inheritance disputes.

In a news report by TVS, he highlighted how poorly managed inheritance processes often lead to the erosion of Muslim family assets, especially when these assets hold high commercial value.

Advertisement

ā€œThis is why I have proposed the formation of a trust body to oversee and manage Muslim-owned assets that would otherwise be divided among heirs,ā€ he said during a dinner marking the Opening of the Sarawak Syariah Legal Year 2025 at a hotel here last night (Jan 21).

Abang Johari emphasised that such a body would play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of Muslim assets, ultimately contributing to the communityā€™s economic empowerment.

He also called on Islamic legal experts to explore effective valuation methods for wakaf (endowed) land and assets, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the economic foundation of the Muslim community.

ā€œWith these resources, I believe we can significantly enhance the economic standing of Muslims. This includes agricultural wakaf and endowed lands, which have the potential to create a meaningful economic impact,ā€ he added.

Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Art Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman hamzah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Chief Syariah Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi were among the distinguished guests present. ā€” DayakDaily

Advertisement