PERKIM, Royal Malaysian Navy Plan Collaboration to Strengthen Islamic Education and Outreach for Muslim Converts

by: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KUALA LUMPUR, OCTOBER 30, 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters received a courtesy visit this morning from the Director of Religious Affairs, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), at PERKIM Headquarters, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur. The meeting aimed to explore potential collaboration in strengthening Islamic guidance and educational development for newly converted Muslims within the Navy community.

The RMN delegation was led by Colonel Ahmad Kamil Haji Abdullah, Director of Religious Affairs, RMN Headquarters, accompanied by Captain Mohamad Farid Hadam, Religious Affairs Staff Officer 2; Captain Rusydi Razi, Religious Affairs Staff Officer 3 and Religious Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Sergeant Muhammad Zuhairi Zamri.

They were warmly received by PERKIM Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, along with PERKIM Senior Executive of Dakwah, Dato’ Haji Razali Haji Shahabudin and other PERKIM executives.

The discussion sought to strengthen strategic ties between PERKIM and the Armed Forces Religious Corps (KAGAT) of the RMN, particularly in enhancing Islamic education, spiritual development, and character-building programmes for new Muslim converts under the Navy’s care.

During the meeting, Colonel Ahmad Kamil shared that the RMN Religious Affairs Department currently focuses on approximately 70 Navy personnel and their family members who are newly converted Muslims.

“These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of Islamic knowledge, some embraced Islam only recently, while others have been Muslims for some time but still require continuous guidance,” he explained.

“Our focus is not merely to produce preachers, but to build a strong foundation of Islamic understanding among our personnel, ensuring they truly comprehend the faith, uphold its creed and practise Islam holistically in both their personal and professional lives,” he added.

To achieve this goal, the RMN has implemented several initiatives, including the online As-Salam programme, knowledge-sharing sessions and collaboration with Unity Network Global through the DAWANITY mobile application to strengthen the faith and identity of Muslim converts.

The Navy also plans to introduce a tiered learning module basic, intermediate and advanced to match courses and training to the participants’ capabilities. The modules will emphasise creed (akidah) reinforcement, fundamental religious practices, Qur’an literacy and Islamic values contextualised for naval personnel.

In response, Dr. Suariza expressed PERKIM’s readiness to collaborate closely with the RMN in developing Islamic education modules tailored for newly converted Muslims.

“At PERKIM, we have long conducted Fardu Ain courses and faith-strengthening programmes for diverse communities including new Muslims. We can assist in structuring a comprehensive guidance module based on participants’ learning levels to ensure more effective delivery,” she said.

Dr. Suariza highlighted that PERKIM possesses a pool of experienced instructors, including multilingual trainers to cater to converts from different ethnic backgrounds.

“A multilingual approach is vital as it creates comfort and deeper understanding among participants. We are also ready to offer Qur’an and worship guidance classes, both online and in-person, according to the needs of RMN participants,” she added.

She further proposed conducting a pre-course assessment rubric to gauge participants’ Islamic knowledge levels before training begins. The findings, she said, could help tailor progressive learning plans and identify participants with leadership potential to become mentors or role models among the Navy’s new Muslim community.

The meeting also discussed the prospect of formalising the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PERKIM and the RMN.

Proposals included co-organising basic Fardu Ain, Islamic creed, and family enrichment courses, online Qur’an and Tadabbur al-Qur’an classes, trainer development workshops and other related initiatives.

Colonel Ahmad Kamil acknowledged that the RMN’s previous modules, once used in collaboration with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), could be revived and refreshed through rebranding efforts with PERKIM’s expertise.

“We once had effective modules, but they were discontinued due to training continuity constraints. If PERKIM can assist in this area, we can revitalise these modules and implement them systematically,” he noted.

He also highlighted challenges faced by Navy personnel stationed at sea who have limited access to religious guidance. Therefore, this joint initiative is seen as a practical solution to overcome logistical and time constraints.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to form a joint working committee to draft an action plan and schedule programme implementation starting in 2026.

Dr. Suariza emphasised that the collaboration would not only strengthen Islamic understanding among Navy personnel but also expand professional dakwah (Islamic outreach) networks between religious and defence institutions.

“PERKIM is always open to partnerships with government agencies, including the RMN to advance Islamic missionary efforts across all sectors of society. We see this initiative as a strategic step to build spiritual and moral resilience among the nation’s defence forces,” she affirmed.

Meanwhile, Colonel Ahmad Kamil described the visit as the beginning of a more productive and high-impact bilateral partnership.

“We believe that collaboration with PERKIM will add great value to enhancing faith, morale and Islamic understanding among RMN personnel. This will not only benefit new converts but also all Navy members seeking to deepen their religious knowledge,” he said.

The meeting ended with the exchange of commemorative plaques, a photography session and a luncheon, marking the beginning of a promising partnership between two key national institutions dedicated to promoting Islamic education and moral excellence among the nation’s defenders.

Also present were PERKIM National Administration Executive, Hasaidi Ahmad Said; PERKIM Dakwah Executives, Siti Munirah Sayed Mohd Hamdan and Sulaiman Ding Yu Zhong; and IDIPKL Executive 1, Safiyya Nur Sakeena Sallehuddin.

The PERKIM leadership welcomes the arrival of the Director of Religious Affairs, Royal Malaysian Navy, Colonel Ahmad Kamil Haji Abdullah, together with his officers at the PERKIM National Headquarters.

Dr. Suariza (left) expresses PERKIM’s readiness to work closely with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

Dr. Suariza also proposed that an initial Islamic knowledge assessment (rubric) be implemented to evaluate participants’ understanding levels.

Colonel Ahmad Kamil explains that the RMN Religious Affairs Department is currently focusing on approximately 70 Navy personnel who are new Muslim converts.

According to Colonel Ahmad Kamil, “Our focus is not merely to produce preachers, but to build a strong and comprehensive understanding of Islam.”

Dato’ Razali also shared his suggestions and views with the RMN officers during the discussion.

PERKIM officers took the opportunity to capture a commemorative photo with members of KAGAT RMN.

Dr. Suariza presents a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Colonel Ahmad Kamil.

Colonel Ahmad Kamil presents a copy of the Ibnu Battuta Spiritual Enrichment Module: Nautical Edition to Dr. Suariza as a token of appreciation.