KUCHING: The Mufti plays a crucial role as a reference point for the Muslim community, providing guidance in religious understanding and serving as a voice of wisdom in balancing the demands of syariah with the realities of an evolving society.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the role of a Mufti goes beyond merely issuing fatwas.
“This trust is a great responsibility that requires wisdom, firmness grounded in knowledge, and the ability to lead the community in facing increasingly complex contemporary challenges.
“May this handover and acceptance of duties symbolise the continuity of scholarly leadership guided by wisdom, unity and responsibility towards religion, the state and society.”
Dr Abdul Rahman said this at the Sarawak Mufti handover ceremony held at Dewan Kompleks Islam Sarawak today.
Meanwhile, Datuk Khalidi Ibrahim has been appointed as the new Sarawak Mufti effective March 1.
He succeeds Datuk Kipli Yassin, whose term ended on Feb 28.
Khalidi, 58, has over 30 years of experience serving the Sarawak government since July 9, 1994, and is regarded as highly credible to continue leadership in the field.
After his mandatory retirement in 2024, Khalidi was appointed on a contract basis as a syariah expert at the Sarawak Mufti Department from July 1, 2024 until Feb 28, 2026.
Previously, he served as deputy director of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) from 2016 to 2017, before being appointed director of JAIS from 2018 until 2024.
Throughout his service, he received several state honours including the Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak (DJBS), which carries the title “Datu”, in 2023. He also received the Excellent Service Medal (Gold) in 2019, Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (2017), the Meritorious Service Medal (Silver) (2009), as well as the Excellent Service Award (1998, 2003, 2008 and 2016), among others.
In a statement, the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) said the ceremony marked the continuation of the Mufti’s important role in leading fatwa affairs, strengthening religious institutions and guiding the Muslim community in Sarawak.
Also present was MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha and other distinguished guests.
