By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 12: Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) will serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing between Muslims and non-Muslims, aiming for the benefit of humanity rather than being confined solely to Islamic doctrine.
Sarawak Premier and RISEAP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this inclusive approach enables different religions to complement each other in empowering the ummah and advancing human development.
“RISEAP is not limited to Islamic teachings alone; it shares knowledge between Muslims and non-Muslims for the betterment of humanity. This is our approach, and it benefits everyone,” he said in an interview with the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) and TVS following the 36th RISEAP Executive Committee Meeting in Seoul, South Korea today.
The Premier highlighted that RISEAP’s initiatives emphasise collaboration in technology and cultural sectors with countries possessing specialised expertise.
He noted that New Zealand, South Korea, and other strategic partners offer advanced capabilities in agriculture, engineering, and innovation that Sarawak can tap into.
“In agriculture, New Zealand can support Malaysia’s efforts to modernise the sector using artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. Korea, on the other hand, excels in engineering, and we can collaborate by sending our students and professionals to study their advancements,” he explained.
In addition, the Sarawak government is working with Samsung to develop green energy initiatives.
He emphasised that such efforts reflect the vision of Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun, whose approach aimed not only to empower Muslims but also to benefit humanity universally.
During his visit to Seoul, the Premier contributed a total of USD =25,000 to support the development of the Muslim community. Of this, USD15,000 was donated to the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) to equip its new office, while USD10,000 went to the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Daycare Centre, previously inaugurated by the Premier.
Abang Johari was also honoured to officiate the upgrade of Seoul Central Mosque, the country’s oldest mosque, further strengthening Sarawak’s engagement with the global Muslim community.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Economy Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, RISEAP Honorary Secretary Dato’ Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yasin, and other RISEAP Exco members. — DayakDaily
