Abang Johari elected new Perkim president, vows to strengthen Muslim welfare, economy
KUCHING (May 10): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been officially elected as the new president of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Perkim) during its 64th national annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari expressed confidence that, with the support of Perkim's new leadership, he would be able to continue the legacy of his predecessor, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Speaking at a press conference following the leadership handover, Abang Johari highlighted the potential of waqf (endowment) assets to serve as a catalyst for the Muslim economy if managed systematically and in accordance with syariah principles.
He emphasised that the Islamic concept of welfare should go beyond short-term aid, focusing instead on the strategic management of waqf assets to generate sustainable, 'berkat' (divinely blessed) income for the long term.
'If we look at the Muslim community in Malaysia, they have assets. These waqf assets must be managed well according to Islamic syariah because they can provide great economic returns to the Muslim community,' said Abang Johari.
To this end, he plans to hold discussions with Perkim leadership to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing both the community's assets and welfare holistically.
Abang Johari also underscored the importance of strengthening technical education among Muslim youth to prepare them for participation in the modern economy.
'In Sarawak, we have developed various aspects of technical education for Muslim children. I want this training policy to be discussed at the national level to be in line with the current economic needs,' he said.
Also present were Dr Mahathir, federal Deputy Minister of Economy Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib and other dignitaries.
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