YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Appointed as New President of PERKIM

by: SRZ

BANGI, 10 MAY 2025 – The Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) marked a historic moment today with the appointment of YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg as the new President of PERKIM, during the election of PERKIM’s National Council Members held on Saturday afternoon.

The election took place during the 64th Annual General Meeting of PERKIM at the Institute of Islamic Training Malaysia (ILIM) here at midday.

In his inaugural address as President, Abang Johari expressed his deepest appreciation for the trust placed in him and extended heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing President, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for his wise leadership, steadfast principles, and unwavering commitment to the cause of dakwah and welfare.

“Tun’s leadership not only elevated PERKIM to a commendable level but also served as a true model for all of us in the pursuit of dakwah and humanitarian service,” he said in front of delegates, senior leadership, and members of PERKIM from across the country.

Abang Johari, who is also the Premier of Sarawak, acknowledged that continuing this leadership legacy is no easy task. However, with full cooperation from all members of PERKIM, he is optimistic that the organisation will continue to play a vital role in the landscape of modern dakwah, especially in addressing contemporary challenges both globally and locally.

“PERKIM must remain vocal and proactive in championing the rights and welfare of fellow Muslims, including the ongoing issues in Gaza, through wise and effective approaches,” he stressed.

He also emphasised the need for a more inclusive dakwah approach, grounded in compassion, education, and continuous awareness. Cooperation among states, including Sabah and Sarawak, must be further strengthened to ensure holistic dakwah efforts.

Abang Johari also urged for the enhancement of PERKIM’s administration, structured financial planning, and the implementation of sustainable and high-impact programmes that meet the needs of the current era.

Concluding his speech, he called upon all PERKIM members to stand united, contributing their energy and expertise to realise the organisation’s mission of upholding Islam as rahmatan lil ‘alamin (a mercy to all creation).

The ceremony was further dignified by a symbolic handover of leadership from Tun Dr Mahathir to Abang Johari.

Tun Dr Mahathir presented an exclusive plaque inscribed in Jawi script, symbolising the formal handover of the PERKIM Presidency to Abang Johari.

The plaque displayed the official declaration of Abang Johari’s appointment as the new President of PERKIM for the 2025–2028 term.

In turn, Abang Johari presented an exclusive plaque, also in Jawi script, conferring the title of Special Advisor to PERKIM to Tun Dr Mahathir.

With smiles, both statesmen stood together holding the plaques, witnessed by attendees including PERKIM’s leadership and delegates from across the nation.

Tun Dr Mahathir, who led PERKIM for many years, expressed his confidence that the new leadership under Abang Johari would continue to advance the agenda of dakwah, welfare, and unity among Muslims in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari reiterated his appreciation for the trust placed in him and pledged to carry forward Tun Dr Mahathir’s legacy in elevating PERKIM to greater heights in line with present-day challenges.

The 64th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting concluded with a luncheon and a photography session with the newly elected 2025–2028 National Council Members.

Present were PERKIM Vice Presidents YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, YBhg Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Tuan Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, and YBhg Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad; as well as Deputy Minister of Economy and PERKIM Sarawak Chairman, YB Dato’ Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib.

Also in attendance were Permanent Chairman Tuan Haji Abd Ghafar Mamat, Deputy Permanent Chairman Mahadi Haji Deraman, and PERKIM National Council Members: YBrs Tuan Haji Hushim Haji Salleh, YBhg Dr Ann Wan Seng, Tuan Haji Saiful Bahri Abdullah, 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, SS Datuk Wira Haji Abdul Halim Tawil, Haji Turedy Abdullah, and representatives from the Sarawak State Government leadership.

Dr Yusof Noor accompanied Abang Johari to the 64th National PERKIM Annual General Meeting.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari shakes hands with members of the PERKIM National Council.

Tun Dr Mahathir will hand over the position of PERKIM President to Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari has completed signing the mandate to hand over the leadership of the President of PERKIM from Tun Dr Mahathir.

Tun Dr Mahathir presented the exclusive plaque of the President’s Leadership Handover to Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari presented the exclusive special plaque for the Appointment of PERKIM Special Advisor to Tun Dr Mahathir.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari delivered his inaugural speech as the President of PERKIM.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari said that Tun’s leadership not only brought PERKIM to a proud level, but also became an example for us in the true sense of the struggle for dakwah and welfare.

He added that PERKIM must remain active in voicing its stance and defending the fate of its fellow religious brothers, including the ongoing issue in Gaza.

The historic general meeting closed with a prayer.

The AGM closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

PERKIM Secretariat had the opportunity to take a photo with the former PERKIM President.

The guests of honor enjoyed the lunch provided.

The Penang PERKIM delegation is having a meal after the AGM.

The Sarawak PERKIM delegates enjoyed the food provided.

The Terengganu PERKIM representatives finished having lunch.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari poses for a picture with the PERKIM National Council members for the 2025-2028 session.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari with the top leadership of PERKIM during a press conference.

The PERKIM leadership accompanied the new PERKIM President, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari, home.