KUCHING: Muslims must build their intellectual capacity to harness natural resources and advance through the concept of waqf for the benefit of mankind.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak had been blessed with abundant resources such as sunlight, rivers, land and rainforests.
He stressed that knowledge and capacity were essential to unlock their full potential.
“God is kind enough to Sarawak. We are in the tropics, we have sunlight, rivers, land and our rainforests that provide biology carbon and photosynthesis,” he said.
“What we need are Muslims with the intellectual capacity to move forward and to use these resources as part of the process of waqf. When we develop it, the reward can be shared with the wider Muslim community.”
Abang Johari delivered the keynote address at the 14th Annual Meeting and International Conference of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here today.
He said Sarawak’s management of its resources had already enabled the State to share renewable energy beyond its borders, describing it as a form of waqf.
He added that Sarawak was already sharing its power with Brunei and Indonesia, while discussions were also being held on possible interconnection with southern Philippines.
“Alhamdulillah, this is part of what we can contribute, but the whole process is based on the concepts of waqf and zakat,” he reiterated.
He noted that as Sarawak generated revenue, it was also obliged to pay zakat, aligning with both Islamic principles and modern economic concepts.
As such, Abang Johari urged the conference to explore solutions to develop human capital, particularly in science and technology, to meet future challenges.
“Technology must be in command. Now it is artificial intelligence (AI). AI can be good if it benefits humankind, but it can also be harmful if misused,” he said.
