National Council Meeting Chaired for the First Time by Abang Johari, Emphasises Principles of the Medina Charter
by: SRZ
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 JULY 2025 – In a historic milestone for the leadership of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Dr Haji Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who also serves as the President of PERKIM, chaired the 1/64th PERKIM National Council Meeting for the first time on Monday afternoon at the Bangunan PERKIM, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, here.
His arrival at 3:15 p.m. was warmly received by PERKIM’s top leadership, alongside more than 70 attendees comprising PERKIM National Council Members, State Branch Chairpersons and Secretaries, staff from the PERKIM National Secretariat, the PERKIM International Dakwah Institute of Kuala Lumpur (IDIPKL), and the Stroke Community Rehabilitation Centre (SCORE) PERKIM.
Also present to lend their support were the four Vice Presidents of PERKIM: YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, YBhg Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, YBhg Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, and YBhg Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad; as well as the National Head of PERKIM Women’s Wing, YTM Tunku Puan Sri Dato’ Hajah Noor Hayati Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
The Deputy Minister of Economy and Chairperson of PERKIM Sarawak, YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, also attended this momentous event.
The event commenced with the national anthem, Negaraku, followed by PERKIM’s official song, PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan, and a prayer recitation led by IDIPKL’s Assistant Dakwah Officer, Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah.
A group photo session with the Premier was held at the Dataran Dakwah, Bangunan PERKIM, before the distinguished guest was ushered to Level 22 to preside over the council meeting.
The meeting opened with a prayer delivered by Sahibus Samahah Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil, Mufti of Melaka and Chairperson of PERKIM Melaka.
In his special address, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to officially meet PERKIM leadership for the first time since being appointed as President during the 64th National PERKIM Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2025 at ILIM, Bangi.
He shared that the meeting was initially scheduled earlier but had to be postponed due to the passing of his beloved wife, the late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma’ani Tuanku Haji Bujang, on 23 June 2025.
In a respectful and hopeful tone, he expressed his desire for this gathering to mark a new era of synergy in realising PERKIM’s mission.
Offering some background, Abang Johari reflected on his early involvement in Islamic dakwah through Angkatan Nahdatul Islam Bersatu (BINA), now known as Harakah Islamiah (HIKMAH).
He recalled his historic meetings with the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in Penang during his 30s, and also with the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun and the late Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“Although I was not directly involved in PERKIM previously, I firmly believe in the cause of dakwah and Muslim unity,” he stated.
Abang Johari stressed that the principles of the Medina Charter remain highly relevant to PERKIM’s role as a dakwah and welfare organisation that transcends race and religion.
He highlighted that the Charter—established by Prophet Muhammad SAW—is Islam’s first socio-political document, guaranteeing the rights of various ethnicities and religions under a just government.
Its values—cooperation, social justice, religious freedom, peace, and shared responsibility between Muslims and non-Muslims—must remain PERKIM’s guiding framework.
He called for the Medina Charter-based approach to shape all of PERKIM’s actions, not only in dakwah outreach to new and potential converts but also in strengthening bonds among members and partnerships with government agencies and civil society.
“Malaysia is a uniquely plural society. PERKIM must stand as a model of an Islamic organisation that fosters harmony and mutual understanding.
We must not only serve but also demonstrate Islam as a religion of mercy for all,” he asserted.
Drawing from his leadership experience in a multicultural and multireligious state, he believes this inclusive approach can be further strengthened within PERKIM’s organisational structure.
He also encouraged PERKIM at both national and state levels to study the Sarawak model as an example of efficient and transparent waqf and baitulmal governance.
Through strategic collaboration with state religious institutions and the private sector, PERKIM can act as trustee or implementing partner for large-scale waqf projects—such as in education, healthcare, agriculture, and support for new Muslims.
“We must view waqf not merely as a traditional institution, but as a modern development tool for the Muslim community—bringing sustainable benefits to asnaf, reverts, and the Islamic cause,” he added.
Abang Johari declared that PERKIM is ready to move forward as not only a welfare body but also a leader in Muslim development, professionally managing waqf assets and baitulmal funds.
He also extended his utmost appreciation to former PERKIM President, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for his remarkable service and contributions from 2006 to 2025.
Tun Mahathir’s leadership over nearly two decades shaped PERKIM’s direction and stands as a powerful example to future generations—showcasing how visionary and principled Islamic leadership can nurture a strong, knowledgeable, and resilient ummah.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Honorary Secretary-General YBhg Tan Sri Dr Yusof Noor and former Honorary Treasurer YBhg Dato’ Haji Abdul Hanif Harun for their devoted service to PERKIM.
He then announced the appointment of YBhg Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar as PERKIM’s new Honorary Secretary-General, and YBhg Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli as Honorary Treasurer.
He also thanked all former National Council Members for their pivotal roles in PERKIM’s journey thus far, expressing hope that the new leadership would continue advancing the organisation in line with its founding aspirations.
The meeting continued with the tabling and confirmation of the Minutes of the 1/63rd National Council Meeting held on 27 September 2024, the Special Meeting on 20 February 2025, and the Special Meeting for the 64th National Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2025.
Also presented were the Draft Minutes of the 64th AGM, the latest financial report up to 30 June 2025, and reports on arising matters and other business.
The event was graced by notable National Council Members including YBhg Prof Dato’ Dr Haji Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah, YBrs Tuan Haji Hushim Haji Salleh, YBhg Dr Ann Wan Seng, Tuan Haji Saiful Bahri Abdullah, YBhg Dato’ Sri Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim, YBhg Datuk Haji Hasbullah L. Isa, YBhg Dr Nur’azah Dato’ Abdul Manaf, YBhg Dr Amin Malik Shah Abdul Majid, YBhg Datin Paduka Hajah Norsiah Haron, YBhg Dato’ Haji Khairi Hasan, Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil, Haji Turedy Abdullah, and senior Sarawak state leaders.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m., ushering PERKIM into a new chapter of leadership under a visionary figure from the Land of the Hornbills.
Abang Johari’s mandates, insights, and aspirations are expected to guide PERKIM’s national dakwah movement in a renewed and dynamic direction.
The closing of the event was marked by a cordial session, where Abang Johari took time to interact and pose for photos with the staff of PERKIM National at Dataran Dakwah before his departure.
The arrival of the Sarawak Premier, who also serves as President of PERKIM, at the Dataran Dakwah compound, Bangunan PERKIM.
Members of the National Council raised their hands in prayer and responded with ameen.
An official photo session with the Premier cum President was held together with PERKIM National Council Members.
National Council Members extended a warm welcome to the Sarawak Premier as the new President of PERKIM.
SS Dato’ Wira Abdul Halim led the prayer as the meeting officially commenced.
The President together with PERKIM Vice Presidents, responded solemnly with ameen to the recited prayer.
The Premier cum President delivered a special address to the council meeting.
Tunku Noor Hayati shared her perspective on women’s affairs.
Haji Hushim proposed that dakwah efforts should be further strengthened and expanded.
National Council Members attentively listened to all views and ideas raised during the meeting.
Every opinion and thought shared was duly considered by the Council Members.
Prof Dato’ Farid Ravi took notes on the meeting’s key points while offering his input.
Dr Amin Malik shared his ideas and views during the session.
Datuk Nakhaie also conveyed his perspective.
The Premier noted the views presented by Ustaz Fitri.
Dato’ Haji Abdul Hanif Harun also participated in the council deliberations.
YB Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Junaidi (centre), Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department for Islamic Affairs Coordination, was also present together with Deputy Minister of Economy and Chairperson of PERKIM Sarawak, YB Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib (right).
Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor expressed his gratitude for having his responsibilities as the Honorary Secretary-General lightened.
PERKIM officers and staff took the opportunity to record a special photo session with the President.
The Premier Sarawak was seen waving to the PERKIM media camera after the conclusion of the council meeting.
