Sarawak Premier Outlines Three Strategic Agendas for PERKIM, Calls for Stronger Da’wah and Waqf Initiatives
By: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI
KUCHING, OCTOBER 26, 2026 – Strengthening da’wah and welfare support for new Muslims, ensuring financial sustainability through waqf, and fostering unity within the ummah through an inclusive approach to Islamic outreach are the three strategic agendas outlined by 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, to reinforce the organisation’s strategic direction and future growth.
He emphasised that PERKIM must continuously improve its management practices, broaden its da’wah approaches in response to contemporary developments, and ensure that the welfare of new Muslims receives comprehensive and sustained attention.
He said PERKIM’s more than six decades of experience since its establishment should serve as a foundation for building a more sustainable and professional organisation, capable of engaging with communities across diverse ethnic and social backgrounds.
“The agenda of caring for and supporting new Muslims remains at the heart of PERKIM’s mission. We must further strengthen the management and learning modules at the PERKIM Islamic Da’wah Institute (IDIP) to make them more dynamic and effective,” he said when delivering his policy address at the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Pullman Kuching Hotel, Sarawak, on Monday.
The meeting, which commenced at 11.30am, brought together the organisation’s top leadership, National Council members, delegates and observers from across the country to deliberate on PERKIM’s achievements and future direction.
Also present were PERKIM Deputy President, YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Shahidan Kassim; Dr. Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah; Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah; and Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad.
Among the PERKIM National Council members in attendance were Dato’ Prof. Dr. Haji Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah, Dr. Ann Wan Seng, 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, together with Permanent Chairman Haji Abd Ghafar Mamat and Deputy Permanent Chairman Mahadi Deraman.
Abang Johari said support for new Muslims should extend beyond material assistance to encompass spiritual enrichment, guidance in the fundamentals of Islamic obligations (fardu ain) and continuous moral support, ensuring that they feel valued and are empowered to build better lives after embracing Islam.
He also stressed that all views, constructive criticisms and motions raised by delegates throughout the conference must be carefully examined as a basis for improving PERKIM’s administration and programme implementation.
On the financial sustainability agenda, Abang Johari said PERKIM needed to reduce its reliance on traditional funding methods by exploring more sustainable sources of revenue.
He said the management of the organisation’s assets at every level should be transformed through more commercially driven and professional approaches, while maximising the potential of waqf and leveraging digital platforms to broaden public contributions.
He added that the digitalisation of financial management would not only encourage wider participation among contributors but also enhance transparency and the efficiency of the organisation’s governance.
In his winding-up address, he also highlighted the importance of strengthening the da’wah movement through equitable community engagement that encompasses both Muslims and non-Muslims.
He cited Sarawak’s experience as an example of how harmony, mutual understanding and respect can foster positive relationships within a multireligious and multicultural society.
He said this approach must be further strengthened to enable PERKIM to serve as an agent of unity and a guardian of community welfare, regardless of background.
On the third agenda, Abang Johari stressed that PERKIM must continue to project Islam as a religion of compassion, peace and inclusivity, in keeping with Malaysia’s position as a multicultural and multiracial nation.
He said da’wah should not be exclusive in nature but must transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries through communication guided by wisdom and programmes that bring communities closer to the noble values of Islam.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s spirit of Segulai Sejalai, which embodies harmony, solidarity and togetherness, as an inspiration for strengthening relationships within society.
In this regard, he called on PERKIM leaders at national, divisional and branch levels to close ranks, set aside differences and refocus their efforts on the organisation’s founding mission established by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
He said strengthening PERKIM required the collective support and commitment of everyone within the organisation to ensure that its da’wah and ummah welfare agendas continued to progress.
Meanwhile, PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr. Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, in his welcoming address, extended a warm welcome to the leadership, delegates and observers attending the conference in Sarawak.
He informed the gathering that the conference had fulfilled the quorum requirements based on attendance recorded in the meeting documents, thereby enabling the proceedings to commence.
The meeting also tabled the minutes of the 64th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting, together with the 2025 Annual Reports of PERKIM National, its state divisions and Wanita PERKIM, for the consideration of the delegates.
PERKIM Honorary Treasurer, Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli, subsequently presented the audited accounts for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, together with the estimated income and expenditure for 2027.
PERKIM Permanent Chairman, Haji Abd Ghafar Mamat, then presided over the deliberations and presentation of motions, followed by the winding-up speeches delivered by delegates representing the state divisions.
Among the issues raised by delegates were the need to expand strategic collaboration with government agencies and state authorities, strengthen youth participation, and develop a new generation of capable and high-calibre da’wah leaders.
Delegates also highlighted the need to review the membership fee structure to ensure that it remained appropriate in light of current circumstances and the organisation’s management requirements. However, details of the final decision on the proposal were not specified in the meeting information provided.
In a related development, delegates from PERKIM’s Perak and Kelantan divisions made cash contributions following the PERKIM President’s winding-up address, during which he raised a proposal to establish a PERKIM Endowment Fund.
The proposed initiative aims to establish a waqf fund management mechanism to provide sustained financial support for da’wah activities, while strengthening the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.
The initiative reflects growing support for exploring long-term financing models to ensure that PERKIM’s da’wah and welfare programmes can continue in a more structured and sustainable manner.
The meeting also provided a platform for state divisions to exchange experiences, including approaches to engaging multicultural communities, expanding da’wah programmes and enhancing the use of digital platforms in communicating Islamic teachings.
Also present was YB Datuk Bentara Kanan Ustaz Haji Ahmad Yakub, representing the Kelantan Menteri Besar and Chairman of PERKIM Kelantan.
The gathering was also attended by Harakah Islamiah (HIKMAH) Deputy President, Toh Puan Datin Patinggi Hajjah Hayati Haji Ahmat; Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah; as well as 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), the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA), government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and PERKIM University Clubs (KPU) also took part in the gathering.
The conference, which served as a platform for reflection, evaluation and strategic planning, was adjourned at 2.10pm, followed by a luncheon.
Sarawak Premier and PERKIM President, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, arrives at the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting, accompanied by the organisation’s Vice-Presidents, the Chairman of PERKIM Sarawak and Sarawak Cabinet Ministers.
PERKIM National’s top leadership stands in unison as they sing the national anthem, Negaraku, Sarawak’s state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, and PERKIM’s official anthem, PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan.
Wanita PERKIM members stand proudly as they sing Sarawak’s state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku.
Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah officially opens the proceedings as the master of ceremonies.
This is followed by a prayer recitation led by Abdul Mubeen Yanya.
Abang Johari raises his hands in supplication during the prayer recitation.
National Council members join in the supplication, responding in unison with Amin.
Haji Abd Ghafar Mamat formally opens the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting in his capacity as Permanent Chairman.
PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr. Marzuki, welcomes delegates and observers from across the country to Sarawak and confirms that the conference has fulfilled the quorum requirements based on recorded attendance.
In his policy address, Abang Johari outlines three strategic agendas: strengthening da’wah and welfare support for new Muslims, ensuring financial sustainability through waqf, and fostering unity within the ummah through inclusive Islamic outreach.
Abang Johari further emphasises that PERKIM must continuously improve its management practices and broaden its da’wah approaches in line with contemporary developments.
PERKIM delegates from across the country listen attentively to and reflect on the address delivered by the organisation’s President.
An observer from Terengganu poses cheerfully for the official PERKIM National photographer.
Abang Johari further stresses that support for new Muslims must extend beyond material assistance to include spiritual enrichment, guidance in the fundamentals of Islamic obligations (fardu ain) and continuous moral support.
Dato’ Prof. Dr. Haji Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah is among the PERKIM National Council members attending the conference.
A delegate from PERKIM Negeri Sembilan puts forward her views during the meeting.
The assembly listens to views and perspectives shared by a delegate from PERKIM Kelantan.
A PERKIM delegate from the Federal Territories also shares his views and recommendations during the deliberations.
A winding-up address by a delegate from PERKIM Kedah draws the attention of the assembly.
The PERKIM Central Youth Council also takes the floor to present its aspirations and views.
Representing the host division, PERKIM Sarawak expresses its appreciation and gratitude to all delegates and observers for their presence and support in ensuring the success of this year’s Annual General Meeting.
A delegate from PERKIM Perak makes a cash contribution following the proposal to establish the PERKIM Endowment Fund.
A delegate from PERKIM Kelantan also contributes RM1,000 in cash following the proposal to establish the PERKIM Endowment Fund.
PERKIM delegates and observers take the opportunity to capture a commemorative group photograph with YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
PERKIM’s top leadership shares a luncheon following the adjournment of the 65th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting.
