Saturday, 5 July 2025

Sarawak Chinese Muslim Cultural Centre to be built

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The Sarawak Chinese Muslim Cultural Centre

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KUCHING: Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, has voiced strong support for the proposed establishment of the Sarawak Chinese Muslim Cultural Centre, describing it as a timely initiative that champions harmony, heritage and inclusivity.

The proposal tabled by Persatuan Kebajikan Tiong Hua Islam Sarawak (PERKTHIS), was presented during a courtesy visit by the association’s delegation, who formally invited Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah to serve as the patron of the upcoming cultural centre project.

PERKTHIS president, Morthada Lau Abdullah, who was also the recipient of the 2009 National Ma’al Hijrah Award, led the delegation along with other representatives from the association’s branches in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Sarikei.

“This initiative is not only noble, but also essential in showing that Islam embraces diversity,” said Fatimah.

“The cultural centre will serve as a vital bridge between faith and heritage, particularly for Chinese Muslims in Sarawak,” she added.

The centre will be located on a 1.5 acre government approved site along Jalan Bako, near Wisma Yayasan Budaya Melayu.

It is envisioned as a multifunctional hub offering religious education, interfaith dialogues, community services, language classes and a transit home for new Chinese Muslim converts.

Fatimah emphasised the significance of storytelling in shaping the centre’s identity and message.

“The building should reflect the historical journey of the Chinese community in Sarawak, where they came from, how they settled, their occupations, and the story behind how some converted to Islam.

“These stories deserve to be preserved and shared,” she added.

Fatimah also addressed concerns often raised by new converts about cultural loss, assuring that religious conversion did not mean abandoning one’s heritage.

“You are still Chinese. You continue to celebrate Chinese New Year, honour your parents, and hold onto your cultural roots, while practising your faith as a Muslim,” said Fatimah.

The project, which is estimated to cost RM15 million, excluding interior development, is now in its planning and fundraising stages.

PERKTHIS has established committees to oversee technical design, building works  and funding efforts.

As part of its mission, the centre will also promote ‘dakwah bil hal’ (the preaching of Islam through acts of welfare) by providing a strong support system for those facing the transition of religious conversion.

“This is more than a building, it’s a symbol of our values,” said Morthada.

“We want new Muslims, especially within the Chinese community, to feel supported, accepted and empowered,” he added.

Fatimah also encouraged the committee to explore opportunities in Islamic tourism and educational collaborations.

She noted the potential for the centre to serve as a national model for cultural inclusivity and interfaith dialogue.

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