KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged Sarawakians, including Muslims, to work closely with the state government to mitigate global warming.
He said the state’s policy is to sustain its development and move forward to become greener.
“Based on technology available through research, global warming has to be mitigated and it is the duty of Muslims who have the knowledge to transform the environment.
“If the environment is not well looked after, there is a danger of rising water levels, and we have to help our friends around the region,” he said when officiating at the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific’s (RISEAP) 19th General Assembly at Riverside Majestic Hotel here, today (Jan 3).
Abang Johari said the world is undergoing transformation in its economic landscape with the advent of new technology and new ways of doing things.
“At the same time, we also witness the issues of climate change which if not checked, will threaten mankind and God’s creation.
“It is, therefore, incumbent upon the present generation to sustain the environment and seek new knowledge through research and development.
“After all, Verse 10 of Surah Al-Jumu’ah in the Quran which reads, ‘Once the prayer is over, disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah often so you may be successful’ requires us to do so,” he said.
On another note, he said Muslims followed what has been expounded by Islam’s great scholar Ibn Khaldun who has done research and shared his views on social justice and fundamentals of economics, long before Adam Smith.
“In the new era, it is, therefore, our duty as practising Muslims to upgrade the quality of education, and to master Science and Mathematics to contribute to the development of mankind.
“In the Quran, it is expounded, among other things, that God will not change us in shape and our future of the community or mankind, but they have to change themselves.
“This is clearly stated in the Quran, if you were to advance further, and to use our mastery of knowledge, we are able to contribute to the development of society that we are in, particularly in the Southeast Asia region and the Pacific,” he said.
In light of this, he called upon RISEAP and fellow Muslims to persevere and look towards the right path towards the teaching of Islam as a peaceful religion that emphasises knowledge.
“We have to read in order to acquire more knowledge for us to face challenges in the next 25 years,” he said.
On the assembly, Abang Johari said it is the testimony of diversity which unites and promotes solidarity and harmony.
Noting that the delegates are of different backgrounds, he said Sarawak serves as a good example of racial harmony that promotes peace and unity among its people of various religions and racial backgrounds.
In facing challenges, he said the Muslims are also being recognised as exemplary ‘ummah’ in the society they lived in.
“To my mind, let us focus on the development of ‘ummah’ and resolve our differences amicably” he said.
The assembly from Jan 1 to 5 is attended by more than 100 from 19 countries, namely Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Economy and RISEAP vice president (women’s wing) Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib and State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki.
