Sarawak Premier Vows to Strengthen PERKIM, Prioritise Inclusive Da’wah and Welfare of Converts

by: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KUCHING, OCTOBER 25, 2026 – Sarawak Premier and President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening PERKIM’s role as an inclusive and dynamic platform for Islamic outreach, welfare and community development, while ensuring its continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.

He said the transformation of da’wah approaches, enhancement of welfare support for new Muslims or converts, and greater engagement with the younger generation must remain key priorities to ensure PERKIM stays resilient and competitive amid the challenges of digitalisation and the emerging economy.

He said PERKIM’s 65-year history had demonstrated the organisation’s significant role in safeguarding the welfare of converts, expanding the reach of Islam and fostering harmonious relations within Malaysia’s multiracial society.

“As we navigate the era of digitalisation and the new economy, PERKIM’s welfare and da’wah agendas must also undergo transformation. We need to engage with the community, particularly converts and young people, through approaches that are more modern, innovative and relevant to current needs, without ever compromising the fundamental principles of Islam,” he said.

He was speaking at the dinner held in conjunction with the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hotel Pullman Kuching, Sarawak, tonight.

The event, which began at 8pm, brought together PERKIM’s top leadership, delegates and observers from across the country, as well as representatives of the government, Islamic organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in a spirit of brotherhood and goodwill.

Abang Johari said the spirit of harmony and inclusiveness, which was among Sarawak’s defining strengths, should be further cultivated within PERKIM to build an organisation that not only champions the welfare of the Muslim community but also serves as a bridge of compassion connecting people of different races and backgrounds.

He urged the organisation’s leaders, members, volunteers and delegates to strengthen unity and renew their commitment to ensuring that PERKIM’s da’wah and welfare programmes were implemented effectively.

He also expressed his appreciation to all those who had contributed their time, energy and financial resources towards sustaining PERKIM’s activities at both national and state levels.

In his address, Abang Johari also conveyed his condolences to PERKIM Special Adviser, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and his family on the passing of his beloved wife, the late YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

He described her passing as a great loss to he r family and the nation, particularly in view of her contributions to medicine, social welfare and her distinguished role as a woman of stature who had devoted much of her life to serving the community.

He also called on the entire PERKIM family to pray that Allah would shower His mercy upon the late Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, forgive her shortcomings and grant her a place among the faithful and righteous.

At the same event, Abang Johari congratulated and commended the PERKIM National Secretariat and the organising committee for the successful organisation of the International Waqf Da’wah Convention.

He said the convention reflected PERKIM’s efforts to integrate Islamic economic instruments with contemporary da’wah initiatives, while creating opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability and community development.

He emphasised that waqf was not merely an instrument of religious devotion but also had the potential to become a catalyst for development and the long-term sustainability of Islamic institutions, provided it was managed strategically, transparently and effectively.

Abang Johari expressed hope that the 65th PERKIM National AGM would serve as an important platform to assess achievements, address shortcomings and chart a new direction to take the organisation to greater heights.

The dinner began with the singing of the national anthem, Negaraku, Sarawak’s state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, and PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan, followed by a prayer recitation led by Sahibus Fadilah Dato’ Haji Mustapha Kamal Haji Ahmad Fauzi, the Grand Imam of Sarawak.

The dinner marked the opening of the annual gathering, which brings together PERKIM’s leadership and delegates to strengthen organisational unity, advance its da’wah agenda and reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of the ummah.

Meanwhile, PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar said the annual general meeting was not merely a constitutional requirement but also an important platform to evaluate the effectiveness of the organisation’s activities and formulate strategies for the future.

He said that throughout its more than six decades of existence, PERKIM had continued to serve as a platform for da’wah, welfare and education, particularly in reaching out to and improving the well-being of new Muslims.

He added that various restructuring and coordination initiatives at the national level, including the implementation of PERKIM Town Hall programmes and a series of da’wah activities, had helped strengthen two-way communication between the national leadership and state-level leadership.

“This Annual General Meeting is not simply about fulfilling the organisation’s constitutional requirements. Rather, it provides an invaluable opportunity for us to reflect on our performance, assess our shortcomings and formulate strategies for the future,” he said in his welcoming address.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding the use of social media as a platform for da’wah, while strengthening partnerships with the corporate sector to support the funding of welfare programmes and community development initiatives.

He said PERKIM’s responsibilities in guiding converts, empowering Orang Asli communities and engaging with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds required the organisation to remain strategic, inclusive and responsive to changing circumstances.

He also expressed his appreciation to the working committees, PERKIM headquarters staff and all parties involved in ensuring the successful preparations for the 65th National AGM.

The event also featured a presentation by Malaysia’s Deputy Health Minister and PERKIM Sarawak State Chairman, YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah H. Taib-Alsree, who presented Abang Johari with a special wooden carving featuring Surah al-Fatihah as a token of appreciation.

The highlight of the evening included performances of several Sarawak folk songs by legendary Bintang RTM 1983 singer Safar Ghafar, followed by qasidah performances by the Sarawak Qasidah Group.

Guests were also treated to a dinner hosted by the hotel in a warm and convivial atmosphere, further strengthening bonds of friendship and fellowship among members of the PERKIM family.

Among the distinguished guests present were YABhg Toh Puan Datin Patinggi Hajjah Hayati Haji Ahmat and Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah.

Also present were PERKIM Deputy President YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim; Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah; Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah; Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad; and members of PERKIM’s National Council.

Other distinguished guests included Prof Dato’ Dr Haji Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah, Dr Ann Wan Seng, Tuan Haji Saiful Bahri Abdullah, Dato’ Sri Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim, Datuk Haji Hasbullah L. Isa, Dr Nur’azah Dato’ Abdul Manaf, Dr Amin Malik Shah Abdul Majid, Datin Paduka Hajah Norsiah Haron, Dato’ Haji Khairi Hasan, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil and Haji Turedy Abdullah.

YB Ustaz Dato’ Haji Ahmad Yakob was also present as the representative of the Menteri Besar of Kelantan, who is also Chairman of PERKIM Kelantan State Division.

The event was attended by delegates and observers from Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Selangor, the Federal Territories, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Sarawak.

Representatives from the Sarawak Premier’s Office, the Sarawak State Government, the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA), Harakah Islamiah (HIKMAH), the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA), government agencies, NGOs and PERKIM University Clubs (KPU) were also in attendance.

 

PERKIM Deputy Presidents and National Council members accompany the Sarawak Premier, who is also PERKIM President, to the dinner venue.

 

Delegates, observers and members of the public check their names at the registration counter.

 

PERKIM Deputy Presidents and National Council members make their way into the Colessium Hall at Pullman.

 

Sarawak Premier and PERKIM President, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, poses for an official photograph with PERKIM Deputy Presidents and National Council members.

 

The Sarawak Premier joins PERKIM National Council members for an official photograph with the host, PERKIM Sarawak State Division.

 

Guests of honour stand in respect as they sing the national anthem, Negaraku, Sarawak’s state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, and PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan.

 

PERKIM delegates and observers from across Malaysia attend the dinner held in conjunction with the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting.

 

Dato’ Haji Mustapha Kamal, Grand Imam of Sarawak, leads the opening prayer.

 

“This Annual General Meeting is not merely about fulfilling the organisation’s constitutional requirements. Rather, it provides an invaluable opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements,” said Dato’ Dr Marzuki in his welcoming address.

 

Members of the PERKIM family enjoy a selection of Chinese cuisine served at the dinner.

 

Guests of honour enjoy the dinner sponsored by the Sarawak Premier.

 

In his officiating address, Abang Johari welcomes PERKIM delegates and observers from across the country to the Land of the Hornbills, while conveying his condolences to the family of PERKIM Special Adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the passing of his beloved wife.

 

PERKIM President, Abang Johari says the organisation must continuously transform its da’wah approaches, strengthen welfare support for new Muslims or converts, and engage the younger generation to remain competitive in addressing the challenges of digitalisation and the new economy.

 

YB Hanifah Hajar (second from right) presents Abang Johari with a special wooden carving featuring Surah al-Fatihah as a token of appreciation.

 

PERKIM National Council members take the opportunity to pose for a photograph with the Sarawak Premier, holding their exclusive souvenirs.

 

Legendary Bintang RTM 1983 singer Safar Ghafar performs several traditional Sarawak folk songs for the guests.

 

The Sarawak Qasidah Group performs qasidah and selawat, while guests enjoy the dinner.

 

PERKIM National Council members, delegates and representatives of the Sarawak Government pose for a photograph with PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Dato’ Dr Marzuki.

 

PERKIM delegates and observers take the opportunity to pose for a photograph with the Sarawak Premier, who is also PERKIM President.

 

The PERKIM National Secretariat staff also seize the opportunity to capture a memorable photograph with their leader, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

 

The Sarawak Premier, accompanied by PERKIM Deputy Presidents and the Chairman of PERKIM Sarawak State Division, leaves the event.