Speech Of SUA

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Alhamdulillah, I am deeply grateful to Allah SWT for granting me the opportunity, with one voice, unity of hearts and strong commitment, to continue the direction and struggle of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM).

I wish to record my utmost appreciation to The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak and President of PERKIM, for placing his trust in me to shoulder the responsibility as the Honorary Secretary-General of PERKIM.

I accept this appointment with utmost humility and a deep sense of responsibility. It is indeed a great honour, and I am committed to giving my very best for the continuity of PERKIM’s mission.

As a visionary organisation, PERKIM firmly upholds its five core objectives, namely da’wah, welfare, education, cooperation and others.

Our success today is the result of unity and commitment, guided by the spirit of one voice, one tone and one work culture. Insya-Allah, we shall be able to continue the legacy built by our predecessors.

I first became involved in PERKIM through the Harakah Islamiah Malaysia (HIKMAH) platform, which is also an affiliate body of PERKIM. At that time, I was entrusted with the role of Secretary-General of HIKMAH, allowing me to closely follow PERKIM’s ongoing development.

I also personally witnessed the leadership transition of PERKIM from the late Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2006.

That experience offered many valuable lessons and perspectives in leading an Islamic organisation with a great vision for the betterment of the ummah.

I am also grateful to have been involved in various regional Islamic da’wah organisations, one of which is the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP), where I am currently also serving as the Honorary Secretary-General.

RISEAP is a platform that focuses on minority Muslim communities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This organisation aims to foster understanding, cooperation and sharing of best practices among regional countries to strengthen the development of the Muslim community, especially among new converts (muallaf).

My experience with RISEAP provides significant added value to PERKIM in building ties with regional da’wah organisations.

I believe that with closer strategic cooperation between PERKIM and RISEAP, we can further strengthen human capital development, particularly among new converts who greatly require attention and support.

The synergy between these two organisations will also enrich the welfare, education and da’wah programmes carried out by PERKIM.

One of the major challenges we face today is to strengthen the resilience and identity of Muslims, especially new converts, so that they can navigate life better and become self-reliant.

Therefore, I hope that all of us can work together, mobilise our energy, provide more educational opportunities and empower support networks for them.

Collaboration with RISEAP and other da’wah organisations is a strategic step towards achieving this goal.

I would like to invite all PERKIM members and supporters to remain united, to work with full dedication and commitment in carrying out our welfare and da’wah efforts.

Guided by the principles we uphold, I am confident that we will be able to achieve PERKIM’s greater aspirations for the benefit of the Muslim ummah in Malaysia and the region.

May Allah SWT grant us the strength to continue serving and striving in His path. Thank you.

Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar
Honorary Secretary-General of PERKIM