By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 6: Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today warned that many young people are losing adab (etiquette) and moral values, even as they achieve academically.
Speaking at the State-level Maulidur Rasul 1447H/2025M celebration, the TYT said education must nurture not only the mind but also the heart, urging youths to uphold adab, akhlak (character) and moral values as taught by Prophet Muhammad SAW.
He questioned whether the decline stems from educators not emphasising character development enough, or from institutions that fail to balance academic knowledge with moral guidance.
“Neglecting moral education is a great loss to the Muslim community. It affects not only individual character but also the strength of society.
“Education must not focus solely on academic excellence. It must also cultivate ethics, good character, and moral values—the pillars of our community since the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW,” he said in his speech at Padang Merdeka here.
Tun Wan Junaidi also cited the Prophet’s example in leadership, noting that he led with steadfast integrity and uncompromising justice.
These values, he said, should guide daily life and governance, fostering a society rooted in honesty and trust.
“In his final sermon, the Prophet emphasised that the lives and property of the community are a trust—principles we must inherit and cultivate,” he added.
This year’s celebration, themed “Ummah Maju Makmur”, drew nearly 9,600 participants from 209 contingents, including government agencies, uniformed bodies, community associations, mosques and schools. Participants marched along two routes—3.2km (kampung) and 3.04km (city)—before converging at Padang Merdeka.
Also present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi who is the advisor for the State-level Maulidur Rasul 1447H/2025M celebration, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha. – DayakDaily
