By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 10: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is now officially the president of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) for the term 2025-2028.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, this followed the organisation’s 64th annual general meeting (AGM), which took place in Kuala Lumpur today.
Abang Johari takes over the leadership from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who held the post as PERKIM president since 2006 and has been appointed PERKIM’s special advisor.
In his speech, Abang Johari expressed appreciation for the trust given to him and swore to carry on with the responsibilities of the position as best he could.
He also acknowledged that Dr Mahathir had brought PERKIM to great heights.
“Continuing the legacy left behind is not an easy task, but with strong support from, I am confident that we can further strengthen PERKIM’s role in the modern dakwah landscape,” he said.
Commenting on the current challenges, Abang Johari stressed the need for PERKIM to remain vocal and active in championing the cause of Muslims, especially in global issues such as the conflict in Gaza.
“In my opinion, PERKIM must remain vocal and active in expressing its stance and defending the cause of its fellow believers through an effective and prudent approach,” he said.
In the local context, he stressed the importance of a more inclusive approach based on love, education, and continuous awareness in efforts to reach out to the community.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, PERKIM vice president, Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, and members of the PERKIM supreme council were also present.
Last month, it was reported that Abang Johari was poised to take over the role of PERKIM president from Dr Mahathir.
Abang Johari was the sole nominee for the post as Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Datuk Ustaz Mohd Nakhaei Ahmad have withdrawn from the nomination. — DayakDaily
