KUCHING: Strong family institutions are the cornerstone of a stable, moral and prosperous society.
Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said this when officiating at the closing of the Islamic Family Affairs Management Seminar organised by the Kuching Division Malay Community Leaders Association (PKMBK) at Masjid Darul Ibadah, RPR Phase 1, according to a statement released on Saturday (June 27),
In his address, Ahmad said rapid technological advancement, social media, economic pressures and changing lifestyles had brought new challenges to families, making it increasingly important to strengthen family values and institutions.
“Today, Islamic family management extends far beyond marriage and household affairs. It encompasses education, financial management, healthcare, welfare, human capital development, as well as the nurturing of values, character and moral responsibility within the family,” he said in the statement.
He stressed that families built upon the principles of faith, love, mutual respect and responsibility would produce disciplined, ethical and resilient individuals capable of contributing positively to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia.
He also reminded parents, grandparents, community leaders and society at large of their shared responsibility in guiding the younger generation with strong religious values, good character and a deep sense of responsibility towards their families, communities and nation.
Quoting verse 6 of Surah At-Tahrim, he said caring for one’s family was not only about ensuring their well-being in this world, but also about safeguarding their spiritual well-being in the hereafter.
He congratulated PKMBK for organising what he described as a timely and meaningful seminar, and thanked speakers from the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and Baitulmal Sarawak for sharing their knowledge and practical experience in addressing contemporary family issues.
He expressed hope that similar programmes would continue to be organised regularly and expanded to villages, suraus, mosques and communities throughout the Kuching Division.
Highlighting Sarawak’s long-standing harmony, Ahmad said the state’s peaceful multicultural society was rooted in families that instil respect, compassion, tolerance and understanding among children from an early age.
“Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit a Sarawak that is not only economically progressive and physically developed, but also rich in moral values, strong character and firm religious foundations,” he said.
