S’wak fortunate to have fair leadership, says Abang Johari
When we are given the responsibility, we must be fair to all. I am fair to all as the chief minister as I would be questioned. We help the non-Muslims in our community, which is why we have Unifor (Unit for Other Religions).
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: Sarawak is fortunate to have a leadership that practices integrity and is fair to all races and religions, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“When we are given the responsibility, we must be fair to all. I am fair to all as the chief minister as I would be questioned. We help the nonMuslims in our community, which is why we have Unifor (Unit for Other Religions).
“Besides developing mosques and suraus, we also help the non-Muslims build their houses of worship. That is based on the attributes of the Constitution of Medina.
“We don’t fight. That is what we enjoy here in Sarawak. We are fair because in Islam, there is a theory that we must not take rights of others,” he said at the Mosque and Surau Leadership Integrity Seminar in Sri Aman yesterday.
Abang Johari pointed out that when he and his comrades were given the power to govern the state in this way, they were able to govern fairly, taking into account the people of various races, religions and cultures.
He further noted that it is important to manage mosques and suraus according to such principles in the Islamic faith too.
“We hold this seminar not to teach but to remind ourselves how important the responsibility that is entrusted to us. From the Islamic perspective, ‘amanah’ (trust) is very important in managing our responsibilities.
“We hope that this seminar will benefit all who are participating, especially the leadership of mosques and suraus in delivering their responsibilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the seminar focused on three main objectives, namely to cultivate integrity and good governance in the management of mosques and suraus; to improve understanding and skills in efficient and effective management of mosques and suraus; and to make mosques and suraus as religious development institutions.
“One of the main issues that is often discussed is the issue of account management for the funds of mosques and suraus. It must always be transparent, efficient and orderly. The same goes for how to administer property, cleanliness, maintenance of mosques and suraus, and so on.
“We can observe that a mosque or surau that is administered well and properly will become an orderly mosque or surau, not only physically, but the congregation will also be able to perform their acts of worship well and comfortably,” he said, adding that in terms of fund contributions, a properly administered mosque or surau will receive donations from members and the public.
Talib noted that the Sarawak Islamic Council had implemented several initiatives to enhance the competence and integrity of the management of mosques and suraus in the state including the the Sarawak State Mosque Star Rating Standard Programme.
“Getting five stars means that the mosque or surau is good in all aspects of administration, financial management, security, and cleanliness.
“I am confident that with these initiatives, the management and administration of mosques and suraus will be more orderly and systematic,” he said.