By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 27: The Mufti of Sarawak, Datu Kipli Yassin, is bringing his 16-year tenure at the helm of the State’s fatwa institution to a close, underscoring that fostering harmony among Sarawak’s diverse racial and religious communities has remained the central pillar of his leadership.
In a report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Kipli said the role of the fatwa institution extends beyond issuing religious rulings for Muslims, as it must also ensure that its decisions do not affect the sensitivities of non-Muslims to safeguard the State’s harmony.
“Although fatwas are specifically for Muslims, we also take into consideration that what we issue should not hurt the feelings of non-Muslims.
“In that way, our society will continue to live in harmony,” he said during his courtesy call to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Kipli, who will retire effective tomorrow (Feb 28) after 16 years of service, said his courtesy call to Abang Johari today was especially meaningful as a gesture of appreciation for the State leadership’s trust and confidence placed in him.
He commended the Sarawak government for reinforcing the role of the fatwa institution, allowing it to function in a more structured, expansive, and inclusive manner, while keeping pace with technological advancements and evolving social dynamics.
“I am indebted for what has been entrusted to me and for the confidence placed in me to lead the fatwa institution in particular, as well as Islamic institutions in Sarawak,” he said in a press conference after the courtesy call.
He also added that his years in office gave him valuable insight into the social realities of Sarawak in particular and Malaysia as a whole.
On the state of harmony in Sarawak, he said relations among its diverse religious and ethnic communities remain strong, attributing this to prudent leadership, mutual respect, and sustained cooperation.
When asked about his successor, he said that a candidate has been identified, which will be followed by an announcement from the Sarawak government. — DayakDaily
