PERKIM Special Meeting at TRX Strengthens Structure, Vice Presidents United to Bolster Da’wah

by: MOHD SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 – Sarawak Premier and President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, has emphasised the need to empower the organisation through transparent governance, shared responsibility and strong policy alignment to ensure the effectiveness of da’wah (Islamic propagation) and the continuity of Islamic struggle in Malaysia.

He made the call while chairing a Special PERKIM Meeting held this morning at the Dewan Langkawi Hall, Level 41, Menara AFFIN, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).

The session, his first meeting as President of PERKIM, was attended by the PERKIM’s Vice Presidents, Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Ustaz Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, and Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad.

Also present were PERKIM’s Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, and Honorary Treasurer, Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli.

In his address, Abang Johari stressed that the PERKIM National Executive Council (EXCO) must serve as the main policy-making body before any proposals are elevated to the Council.

He further highlighted that government allocations and entrusted wakaf (endowment) funds should be optimally utilised to strengthen dakwah and welfare initiatives.

The meeting also underscored the importance of fostering stronger ties between PERKIM’s national and state chapters, calling for better integration of central programmes with state-level activities to expand the reach and impact of da’wah.

“Our bilateral relations have improved significantly, and we must ensure this synergy is sustained,” he said.

The session further called for PERKIM to reinforce the role of wakaf as an Islamic economic instrument to safeguard the organisation’s financial sustainability. Revenues generated from wakaf, it was noted, could be channelled towards education, welfare and da’wah in a more sustainable manner.

Transparency, the meeting stressed, is the key to building public trust in PERKIM.

“The effectiveness of da’wah largely depends on the level of confidence society places in PERKIM.

“Therefore, the organisation must demonstrate exemplary management that is transparent, accountable and team-oriented,” Abang Johari added.

The nearly one-hour meeting concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen collaboration, improve management structures, and further empower PERKIM’s agenda in da’wah, welfare, education and nationwide partnerships.

The programme ended with a group photography session followed by a luncheon.

Also in attendance was the PERKIM National Secretariat, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr Suariza Hidayah Muhammad, alongside Administration Executive Ahmad Hasaidi Said and Finance Executive Mohd Aizat Rosli.

The PERKIM Secretariat welcomed Vice President Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee upon his arrival at the lobby of Menara Affin TRX.

PERKIM Vice President Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim exchanged greetings with Dato’ Dr Marzuki at the lobby entrance of Menara Affin TRX.

Affin Bank’s distinguished guests, together with Dato’ Dr Marzuki, awaited the arrival of the Sarawak Premier cum PERKIM President for the Special Meeting.

The official vehicle of the Sarawak Premier, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, was seen arriving.

Dato’ Dr Marzuki, accompanied by PERKIM leadership and Affin Bank representatives, escorted the President to the meeting room.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari arrived at Level 41 to attend the special meeting.

Dato’ Dr Marzuki provided a brief briefing to the PERKIM President, joined by the Honorary Treasurer Datu Haji Mersal Abang Rosli.

The PERKIM President chaired the special meeting alongside PERKIM Vice Presidents.

The meeting discussed strategies to further strengthen PERKIM’s da’wah and welfare initiatives.

PERKIM also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the role of wakaf (endowment) as an Islamic economic instrument to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability.

The PERKIM President, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, together with Vice Presidents and the organisation’s leadership, posed for a group photograph at the conclusion of the meeting.

He was later seen exchanging handshakes following the adjournment.

The PERKIM leadership underscored the need for unity to reinforce cooperation, improve management structures, and strengthen the organisation’s objectives nationwide.

The PERKIM leadership then joined a special luncheon.

Dato’ Dr Marzuki, Datu Mersal and Ustaz Fitri accompanied Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari on his departure.

PERKIM Vice Presidents Dato’ Seri Shahidan and Dato’ Nakhaie, together with Dato’ Dr Marzuki, held further discussions to chart PERKIM’s future direction.

All four PERKIM Vice Presidents reached consensus with the Honorary Secretary-General to carry out their entrusted responsibilities with transparency and teamwork.