SEOUL: The Regional Islamic Da'wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) serves as a platform for knowledge sharing between Muslims and non-Muslims for the universal good, and is not strictly bound by Islamic doctrine alone.

The Sarawak Premier, who also serves as RISEAP Chairperson, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said this approach allows various faiths to complement one another in empowering the Muslim community and promoting human development.

“RISEAP is not strictly confined to Islamic doctrine, but rather it shares knowledge between Muslims and non-Muslims for the benefit of humanity. That is our approach, and it benefits everyone,” he stated.

He made the remarks when interviewed by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and TVS after chairing the 36th RISEAP Executive Committee Meeting here on Wednesday.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Project Co-ordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, RISEAP Honorary Secretary, Dato' Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti, Datuk Kipli Yasin, and other RISEAP Executive Committee members.

He said this sharing emphasises involvement in the fields of technology and culture with other countries that possess specific expertise.

Citing the example of New Zealand, South Korea, and several other strategic partners, he noted that they possess great strength and high skills in technology and innovation which can be mutually beneficial.

“In agriculture, New Zealand can assist us, considering Malaysia intends to advance its agricultural sector through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies.

“Meanwhile, Korea has expertise in the field of engineering, and we can collaborate with them by sending our students or people to gain in-depth knowledge of their technology,” he added.

In this context, the Premier said the state government is also collaborating with Samsung in the area of green energy.

He mentioned that what is being implemented aligns with the approach championed by the renowned Islamic scholar, Ibn Khaldun, which aims not only to empower Muslims but also to benefit all humanity.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier donated a total fund of U$D25,000 for the development of the Muslim community in Seoul. He announced the contribution during a visit to the Halal Department of the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), following the official opening of the organisation.

Of that total, US$15,000 was contributed to the KMF to provide fittings and equipment for the body's new office. The remaining US$10,000 was donated to the Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Nursery, which the Sarawak Premier had also officially opened earlier.

Furthermore, the Sarawak Premier was also honoured to officiate the upgrade of the Seoul Central Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country. - UKASnews

Reporter: Harry Ilias
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Ameerul Syafiq Khir