Muslims Need To Lead Sarawak's Transformation Based On Knowledge, Technology & Unity
MIRI: Muslims in Sarawak have been called upon to continue playing an important role in driving the state's transformation towards progress based on knowledge, technology and unity to ensure Sarawak remains a developed, sustainable and prosperous region.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the Maal Hijrah celebration does not merely mark the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar, but instead reminds Muslims of the migration (hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which became a major turning point in human history and civilisation.
According to him, the spirit of hijrah needs to be translated into the current context through efforts to develop Sarawak so that it can adapt to global changes driven by technological advancement and world economic challenges.
"The role of the Muslim community together with the non-Muslim community is very important in building a more sustainable Sarawak by taking into account technological changes, innovation and the need to adapt to current developments.
"The world today faces various challenges including climate change that affects human life, the agriculture sector and the economy. Therefore, we need to be prepared to face these changes with knowledge and wisdom," he said.
He said this when speaking at the Sarawak-Level Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026M Assembly Ceremony held at the Miri Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
The event was officiated by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Touching on global economic developments, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that the world is currently undergoing a major transition from dependence on fossil fuels to newer, more sustainable energy sources in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
He said Sarawak is in a strategic position to play an important role in this transformation given that the state has the advantage of being a renewable electricity producer in addition to having significant oil and gas resources.
"At the Asia Pacific hydrogen conference held recently, Sarawak was recognised as a unique 'Petrostate' because it combines the advantages of being an electricity producer and a source of petroleum and gas.
"This provides a great opportunity for Sarawak to emerge as an important player in the world's new economy," he said.
He also stressed that education remains the main foundation of the state's development, and as such the Sarawak Government continues to expand access to higher education for the children of Sarawak, including among Muslims.
According to him, the emphasis on the mastery of knowledge is in line with the demands of Islam, which encourages its followers to seek knowledge without regard to borders and location.
In this regard, he urged Muslims to continue strengthening unity, avoid division and focus on the state's development agenda for the wellbeing of all the people of Sarawak.
Also present were the Sarawak Premier's daughter, Dayang Norjihan Abang Johari, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and his wife, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Coordinator of Regional Development Agency Projects, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and his wife, Chairman of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha, Director of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), Mual Suaud, and the Resident of Miri Division who is also Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Sarawak-Level Maal Hijrah Assembly, Galong Luang. Also present were Heads of Departments and local community leaders. -UKASnews
