KUALA LUMPUR: Waqf (endowment) assets have the potential to become a catalyst for the economic empowerment of Muslims if managed systematically and in accordance with shariah principles.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the concept of welfare in Islam should go beyond immediate aid by focusing on the management of waqf assets as a blessed and sustainable source of long-term income.
“If we look at the Muslim community in Malaysia, they have assets. These waqf assets must be properly managed according to Islamic principles because they can provide significant economic returns for the Muslim community, in addition to spiritual rewards,” he said.
Abang Johari said this during a press conference following a special ceremony on the handover of PERKIM’s new leadership held here today.
To strengthen this direction, Abang Johari will hold discussions with the leadership of the Islamic Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (PERKIM) to formulate the best approach to managing assets and the welfare of the ummah in a holistic manner.
At the same time, he emphasised the need to strengthen technical education among young Muslims to better prepare them for participation in the new economy.
“In Sarawak, we have developed various aspects of technical education for Muslim youth. I want this training policy to be discussed at the national level so that it aligns with current economic needs,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that cooperation with the new national leadership of PERKIM will be able to carry on the legacy of the struggle initiated by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Abang Johari was officially appointed as the new president of PERKIM at the 64th PERKIM National Annual General Meeting.