LAWAS: The values and teachings of the Quran must continue to be practiced in daily life to form a knowledgeable, moral and integrity-based society as the basis for a more meaningful development of Sarawak.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that the understanding of the Quran should not be limited to reading or religious ceremonies, but instead be practiced in daily life, including in carrying out responsibilities, leading families, educating children and interacting in the community.
“We do not want the Quran to only be read in certain ceremonies or recited in competitions, but rather we want the values of the Quran to be translated into the way we work, lead families, educate children, carry out responsibilities, conduct business, socialise and develop the state,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Lawas District Level Tilawah Al-Quran Year 1448H/2026M Closing Ceremony at the Nor Iman Mosque, Kampung Pemukat, Kuala Lawas, here, on Sunday.
According to Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, the Tilawah Al-Quran programme does not only act as a platform to discover the best qari and qariah, but also to promote the image of Islam and foster the community's love for the Quran.
He said that the appreciation of the Quran must also serve as the basis for the formation of a society that has the strength of knowledge, morality, identity and unity.
He added that this is in line with the theme of ‘Ummah Maju Makmur’ which carries the message that progress of society does not solely depend on physical and economic development.
"We want the young people of Lawas to have high ambitions. Seize the available educational and development opportunities. Equip yourself with knowledge and skills and have the courage to explore new fields," he said.
In the meantime, the Bukit Sari Assemblyman reminded the younger generation not to set aside their religious beliefs, morality and integrity in pursuing success.
According to him, meaningful development must be accompanied by strong values and identity so the progress achieved can benefit the community and the state.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lawas District Islamic Festival Committee Ladin Atok said that the Tilawah Al-Quran programme involved two zones, namely the Sundar Zone and the Lawas Zone before continuing to the Limbang Division level.
He said that a total of 10 participants with the highest scores from the three zones would be selected to represent the division to the next level.
At the ceremony, Mazlan Matzin was crowned Qari, while Suriah Jinin was crowned Qariah.
Also present were Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA) Director Datu Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa and Temenggung Rosli Majid. -UKASnews
