PERKIM’s International Waqf Convention 2026 Makes History, Elevates Waqf to National Development Agenda

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27, 2026 – Malaysia marked a historic milestone in the advancement of its waqf (Islamic endowment) institution as the International Waqf Da’wah Convention (IWDC) 2026 concluded on a high note with the presentation of three strategic resolutions to Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, laying the foundation for a stronger national waqf ecosystem and positioning Malaysia as a global leader in waqf development and Islamic outreach.

The resolutions, presented by Sarawak Premier and President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM), Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, represented far more than the outcome of scholarly deliberations throughout the convention. They reflected a united commitment by the Government, religious institutions, corporate organisations, financial institutions, academia and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to strengthen waqf as a strategic instrument for national development.

Organised for the first time by PERKIM National in collaboration with the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP), the convention attracted more than 1,500 participants from various countries and sectors, underscoring the growing global recognition of waqf as a sustainable mechanism for socio-economic development and community empowerment.

The afternoon plenary session at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) continued the momentum from the morning programme, which was officially opened by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, the Sultan of Perak.

In his royal address, Sultan Nazrin stressed that waqf must be revitalised based on the principles of integrity, sound governance and sustainable development. He reminded delegates that the strength of Islamic civilisation throughout history was built upon a vibrant waqf culture that financed universities, hospitals, libraries, research centres and charitable institutions whose benefits transcended generations.

Moderated by PERKIM National Da’wah Executive Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah and Deputy Executive of the PERKIM International Da’wah Institute Kuala Lumpur (IDIP-KL), Abdul Qawi Navine Abdullah, the afternoon session focused on policy formulation and the future direction of Malaysia’s waqf institution.

Among the distinguished guests were PERKIM Vice Presidents Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, and Datuk Mohd Nakhaie Ahmad; PERKIM National Women’s Chief Tunku Puan Sri Dato’ Hajah Noor Hayati Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj; Deputy Health Minister and PERKIM Women’s Deputy Chief Dato’ Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib Alsree; and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud, along with senior PERKIM leaders, government representatives, scholars and community figures.

A keynote presentation entitled “Waqf: The Sustainability Engine for Da’wah and Converts’ Development” by Malaysia Waqf Foundation Chief Executive Officer Associate Professor Dr Ridzwan Bakar highlighted the immense potential of waqf as a sustainable financing mechanism to strengthen Islamic outreach, education and welfare programmes, particularly for new Muslims.

This was followed by an international forum, “Global Waqf for Da’wah: Best Practices and Sustainable Models,” featuring Malaysia Relief Agency (MRA) President Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Kechik and Fatoni University Rector Prof Dr Ismail Lutfi Japakiya from Thailand, who shared successful cross-border waqf initiatives and strategies for expanding the global impact of Islamic endowments.

The final session centred on the proposal to establish a National Da’wah Waqf Fund, presented by Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) Chairman Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer and INCEIF University Associate Professor Dr Magda Ismail Abdel Mohsin. The proposal called for a national fund to systematically finance da’wah programmes, education, welfare, human capital development and waqf-based innovation with greater efficiency and long-term impact.

In his closing remarks, Tan Sri Abang Johari described the convention as more than an intellectual gathering, calling it the beginning of a national movement to elevate Malaysia’s waqf institution to a more progressive and future-ready level.

He noted that rapid technological advancement, including artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, geopolitical shifts and global economic challenges, requires waqf institutions to evolve in line with contemporary realities.

“We believe that when waqf is managed with integrity, driven by expertise and empowered by technology, its benefits will transcend geographical boundaries, race and generations. This embodies the true spirit of Islam — building communities, fostering unity and bringing mercy to all mankind,” he said.

He added that the resolutions presented to the Prime Minister represented not merely policy proposals, but the aspirations of millions of Muslims who envision waqf as a transformative force capable of strengthening communities, uplifting the ummah and contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s and the wider Islamic world’s progress.

He reaffirmed PERKIM’s commitment to serving as the Government’s strategic partner in developing a modern, professional, transparent and sustainable waqf ecosystem through close collaboration with religious institutions, the corporate sector, academia and civil society.

Delivering the official closing address, Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the recommendations and assured delegates that the Government would undertake a comprehensive review of the proposed resolutions.

He said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) would be tasked with holding discussions involving PERKIM, RISEAP, the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries before the proposals are tabled before the Cabinet and subsequently presented to the Conference of Rulers.

“The specific proposals on Da’wah Waqf will receive serious consideration. The Government remains committed to strengthening the waqf institution so that it can serve as a more effective and relevant instrument for the development of the ummah in meeting contemporary challenges,” he said.

The Prime Minister also commended Tan Sri Abang Johari’s leadership in revitalising PERKIM as a moderate, progressive and inclusive Islamic outreach institution, in line with the vision of its founder, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

He stressed that the approach of bil hikmah wa al-maw’izatil hasanah (wisdom and gracious counsel) must continue to guide Islamic outreach efforts in addressing Islamophobia, misconceptions about Islam and evolving geopolitical realities.

At the same time, he emphasised that mastery of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digitalisation and quantum computing, must be balanced with strong ethical values and moral responsibility to ensure that technological progress does not undermine humanity.

The convention unanimously adopted three key resolutions for submission to the Federal Government:

• First, the establishment of a Waqf Working Consultancy Group to review, evaluate and strengthen Malaysia’s waqf governance and management framework through multidisciplinary expert participation.
• Second, the acceleration of waqf digitalisation through the development of an integrated digital platform capable of connecting funding, expertise, innovation and strategic partnerships, positioning Malaysia as an international hub for waqf innovation.
• Third, a comprehensive effort to strengthen the national waqf ecosystem through enhanced governance, human capital development, Shariah-compliant investment, technological innovation and closer collaboration among the Government, State Islamic Religious Councils, waqf institutions, corporations, academia and the wider community.

Collectively, these resolutions are expected to form the basis of future national policies that will transform waqf from a traditional charitable mechanism into a dynamic driver of economic growth, social development and national prosperity.

The convention also received strategic support from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR), ToyyibPay, Global Wakaf Al-Quran, Wangsa Ultima, PIIAM, IKIMfm and Bank Rakyat.

With the successful conclusion of IWDC 2026, Malaysia has not only brought together global leaders, scholars and practitioners in the field of waqf but has also firmly positioned waqf as a national priority capable of driving sustainable Islamic socio-economic development, strengthening da’wah efforts and building a more resilient future for the ummah and generations to come.

 

International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026, organised by PERKIM in collaboration with RISEAP, continued with its afternoon session.

 

Convention participants viewed the PERKIM historical exhibition.

 

Masters of ceremonies Muhammad Farhan Tee and Abdul Qawi Navine skilfully guided the proceedings throughout the event.

 

A presentation entitled “Waqf: The Sustainability Engine for Da’wah and Converts’ Development” was delivered by Malaysia Waqf Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Associate Professor Dr Ridzwan Bakar.

 

Dr Ridzwan Bakar highlighted the potential of waqf as a sustainable financing mechanism to strengthen da’wah, education and welfare initiatives.

 

Participants listened attentively to the presentations delivered during the convention.

 

Discussions continued with the international forum, “Global Waqf for Da’wah: Best Practices and Sustainable Models,” featuring (from left) Dr Abdul Razak and Prof Ismail Lutfi. The session was moderated by iWAQF Deputy President, Prof To’ Puan Dr Nor Asiah Mohamad.

 

Dr Abdul Razak, Prof Dr Ismail and Prof Dr Nor Asiah shared their respective experiences in strengthening cross-border waqf networks and expanding their benefits to communities around the world.

 

The final session, focusing on the establishment of the National Da’wah Waqf Fund, was presented by Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman and Associate Professor Dr Magda. The proposal for a national fund emerged as one of the convention’s key highlights.

 

 

Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari met with PERKIM’s top leadership and representatives of the Libya–Malaysia Registered Islamic Da’wah Trust Fund.

 

PERKIM President Tan Sri Abang Johari and the organisation’s senior leadership welcomed Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim upon his arrival at the KLCC.

 

Prime Minister waved to the PERKIM secretariat’s mobile phone camera while walking alongside PERKIM’s senior leadership to the Plenary Hall.

 

PERKIM’s senior leadership took an official commemorative photograph with Prime Minister The Most Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

 

Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim joined PERKIM’s senior leadership and participants during the official closing ceremony of IWDC 2026.

 

Tan Sri Abang Johari stressed that the convention was more than a platform for exchanging ideas; it marked the beginning of a national movement to elevate Malaysia’s waqf institution to a more progressive level.

 

The PERKIM President said the world is facing rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, geopolitical shifts and global economic challenges.

 

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Distinguished guests and delegates listened attentively to the address delivered by the Premier of Sarawak.

 

Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered the official closing address at the International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026.

 

“The Government remains committed to strengthening the waqf institution so that it can serve as a more effective and relevant instrument for the development of the ummah in meeting contemporary challenges,” said Anwar.

 

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised Tan Sri Abang Johari’s leadership, describing it as instrumental in revitalising PERKIM’s role as a moderate, progressive and inclusive Islamic outreach institution.

 

PERKIM President, Tan Sri Abang Johari presented the convention’s three key resolutions to Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

 

Tan Sri Abang Johari, Dr. Shahidan and Dr Ridhuan Tee accompanied Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he departed the venue.

 

More than 50 members of the organising secretariat gathered for a commemorative group photograph following the conclusion of the International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026.

 

ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ / ᵁᴹᴵ ᴹᵁˢᶠᴵᴿᴬᴴ ᴬᴮᴰᵁᴸ ᴳᴴᴬᴺᴵ