Today 31st August 2023, marks the 66th year of Malaysia’s Independence. Celebrating Independence Day not only meant celebrating independence of the country but also to celebrate the unity and harmony Malaysians have been enjoying till now.
It is without a doubt not easy for people of different races, faiths and beliefs to live together in peace and harmony. However, we Malaysians can say with pride that not only have we accomplished that, we are united in many other fronts as well.
Our ability to embrace each other’s cultures, languages and beliefs does not only provide security and stability but brings many other benefits to the country as well.
For more than 60 years since its inception, PERKIM has been promoting unity in diversity through da’wah and welfare activities. In PERKIM, we see no colours and aim to help as many as we can in the name of Islam.
We believe that sowing and nurturing unity in diversity should be a collective responsibility and not of the government’s alone. Malaysians can do this by being more open towards one another and pushing aside potential stumbling blocks towards unity efforts.
Our founder, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj who was also Malaysia’s first prime minister saw Islam as a force that could unite rather than divide. He emphasized the brotherhood of Islam, the forging of bonds of love on the basis of faith irrespective of race or colour , hence PERKIM’s official slogan “Islam Itu Persaudaraan” (Islam Is Brotherhood).
In PERKIM, we emphasises the brotherhood of humanity as taught in Islam that suggested all of us are children of Adam, with the Qur’an asserting: “Mankind is a single nation” (2:213)
Blind and arrogant elevation of one’s own community has no place here in PERKIM for Islam stands for peace and goodwill among human. This goodwill involves recognising that Islam’s values such as peace, love and co-operation are human virtues that are accepted by all decent people, irrespective of race or religion.
PERKIM was established to fulfill the late Tunku’s wish to assist and shield the marginalised sections of the Muslim community especially the Muslim converts. This has been our foundation and guidelines in organising activities and programs up until today in keeping our founding father’s vision alive.
In carrying out our work, it is very necessary for us to make the new converts feel safe and included and not feel alienated from their cultural identities.
PERKIM’s work widened to a variety of social issues, from drug addiction to refugee crisis. PERKIM went beyond catering exclusively to marginalised Muslims.
Moreover, PERKIM provided Islamic classes that are open to all, irrespective of race or religion. Today, our students ranges from people of different races and nationality. We also accept students who are not yet converted to Islam
We stay committed in making sure our refugees welfare are well taken care of. Pusat Pendidikan Muhajirin Rohingya PERKIM (PPMRP) an education center for Rohingya’s children was established to support their education and wellbeing.
PERKIM hopes to continue to be the symbol of unity in diversity for all especially the younger generations.
Happy 66th Independence Day Malaysia!
