Tun Dr Mahathir Delivers His Last Special Address as President of PERKIM
by: SRZ
BANGI, 10 May 2025 – “This is my final address, and I urge all members to remain united and firmly uphold the principles of Islamic brotherhood,” said YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in an emotionally moving tone.
Tun Dr Mahathir made the remark while delivering his final policy speech as President of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM) during the 64th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting held at the Malaysian Islamic Training Institute (ILIM) on Saturday morning.
The meeting was attended by over 300 delegates, including representatives and observers from PERKIM branches across Malaysia, PERKIM affiliate organisations, and leaders from the Sarawak state government.
The session began with the national anthem Negaraku and PERKIM’s official song PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan, followed by Quranic recitation by YB Dato’ Captain (Rtd) Haji Mohd Najmuddin Elias.
Among those present were PERKIM Vice Presidents YB Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, YBhg Tuan Haji Muhammad Fitri Abdullah, YBhg Dr Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, and YBhg Prof Dr Haji Ramle Abdullah; National PERKIM Women’s Chief, YTM Tunku Puan Sri Dato’ Hajah Noor Hayati Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
In his speech, Tun Dr Mahathir called upon all PERKIM members to evaluate the organisation’s effectiveness and achievements throughout its more than six decades of existence.
He noted that while PERKIM has endured for 65 years, its accomplishments should be measured by the true meaning of its existence and its impact on target groups.
“Have PERKIM’s original objectives been fulfilled, and are they benefitting the intended beneficiaries? If not, we must rectify this immediately,” he emphasised.
Tun Dr Mahathir also voiced his concern over the persistent misconceptions about Islam, both among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
He stressed that Islam is not solely concerned with the afterlife, but also advocates for success in this world.
“Islam rejects violence. Even the greeting Assalamualaikum conveys a message of peace,” he said, calling on PERKIM to take a more active role in clarifying misunderstandings about Islam, including through humanitarian aid efforts such as for the people of Palestine.
He also highlighted the importance for Muslims to master knowledge and practise fardhu kifayah (communal obligations) to avoid falling behind other societies.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all PERKIM leaders and members for their dedication to the organisation’s welfare and da’wah mission.
“Unity is our greatest weapon. May our efforts be blessed by Allah SWT,” Tun Dr Mahathir concluded, ending his address with hope and optimism.
Earlier, PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General YBhg Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor, in his welcoming remarks, thanked the delegates for their attendance, which fulfilled the required quorum of 194 individuals—comprising 49 National Council Members, 113 delegates, and 32 observers—thus allowing the meeting to proceed lawfully.
He also welcomed delegates from PERKIM’s affiliated organisations, including the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA), expressing gratitude for the spirit of harmony and brotherhood that has been the foundation of PERKIM since its founding by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
He described this meeting as particularly special, marking the historic leadership transition from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to the new President, carried out in a spirit of unity and goodwill.
Dr Yusof Noor urged PERKIM members to maintain solidarity and to support the new leadership for the continuation of the organisation’s core missions of da’wah and welfare.
He also announced that Tun Dr Mahathir would now serve as PERKIM’s Special Advisor and that many members had requested a dedicated session to honour him.
Lastly, he expressed appreciation to all delegates for their cooperation, etiquette, and brotherhood throughout the past leadership period.
The 64th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting then proceeded with discussions on key agenda items, motions, and other matters.
Dr Yusof Noor presented the minutes of the 63rd Annual General Meeting as recorded in the official minutes book, seeking approval from the members.
He also requested delegates to confirm and adopt the National PERKIM Annual Report, reports from state branches, the National PERKIM Women’s Council, and the PERKIM Youth Council.
PERKIM Honorary Treasurer YBhg Dato’ Haji Abdul Hanif Harun then presented the audited financial accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024, along with the estimated income and expenditure for 2026, both of which were accepted and approved by the members.
Following the presentations, closing remarks were delivered by state PERKIM representatives, the PERKIM Women’s Council, and the PERKIM Youth Council.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister of Economy and Chairperson of PERKIM Sarawak Chapter, YB Dato’ Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib, as well as President of USIA, Datuk Haji Sapawi Haji Ahmad.
The arrival of the President of PERKIM, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was welcomed by the AGM delegation.
PERKIM President shakes hands with the delegation of the PERKIM AGM held at ILIM.
The President and the members of the National Council stood tall as they sang the National Anthem.
Members of the National Council sang the Negaraku anthem with great enthusiasm and patriotism.
The delegates also sang the PERKIM Pacu Kemajuan song.
Muhammad Farhan Tee as the host began the ceremony.
The Chairman of PERKIM Perak , YB Dato’ Kapt (Rtd) Haji Mohd Najmuddin Elias delivered a reading of the holy verses of the Quran.
Permanent Vice Chairman, Tuan Haji Abd. Ghafar Mamat began the general meeting.
PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, YBhg Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor delivered his welcoming speech at the meeting.
Dr Yusof Noor expressed his appreciation for the presence of the delegates who met the quorum requirements, which was 194 people.
Tun Dr Mahathir delivered his last special address as President.
He invited all PERKIM citizens to evaluate the effectiveness of PERKIM’s struggles and achievements throughout its more than six decades of existence.
Tun Dr Mahathir stressed that Islam is not just for the hereafter, but also demands success in the world.
Negeri Sembilan PERKIM representatives listened to the speech of the Tun Yang Dipertua.
The Federal Territory PERKIM representatives were dressed in uniform when attending the meeting.
Perseverance…Johor State PERKIM representatives listened to the speech delivered by the President.
Tun Dr Mahathir expressed his appreciation to the entire leadership and members of PERKIM for their commitment in implementing dakwah and welfare.
Tun Dr Mahathir called for PERKIM to play a greater role in clarifying perceptions of Islam, including through humanitarian aid such as for the Palestinian people.
Dr Yusof Noor presented the Minutes of the last PERKIM AGM for approval by the members.
Selangor State PERKIM representatives listened to the presentation.
Among the state representatives who supported the minutes being approved.
The delegation showed good signs towards the report presented.
Dr Yusof Noor asked the delegations to confirm and accept the National PERKIM Annual Report.
The Honorary Treasurer also presented the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December last year.
The meeting members listened to presentation after presentation.
