KUALA LUMPUR: Waqf assets have the potential to be a catalyst for the Muslim economy if managed systematically and based on shariah.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the concept of welfare in Islam needs to be expanded beyond immediate assistance, by focusing on the management of waqf assets as a source of long-term income that is blessed and sustainable.

“If we look at the Muslim community in Malaysia, they have assets. These waqf assets must be managed well according to Islamic sharia because they can provide great economic returns to the Muslim community, in addition to rewards from the Prophet,” he explained.

He said this at a press conference after the Special Ceremony for the Handover of the New Leadership of PERKIM in the capital on Saturday.

In an effort to strengthen this direction, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari will hold discussions with the leadership of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organization (PERKIM) to devise the best approach to managing assets and welfare of the community holistically.

At the same time, he also stressed the need to strengthen technical education among the younger generation of Muslims so that they are better prepared to participate in the new economy.

“In Sarawak, we have developed various aspects of technical education for Muslim children. I want this training policy to be discussed at the national level to be in line with the current economic needs,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that cooperation with the new leadership of PERKIM at the national level will be able to continue the legacy of the struggle founded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari was officially appointed as the new Yang Dipertua of PERKIM at the 64th National PERKIM Annual General Meeting.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, Vice President of PERKIM, Dato’ Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim and members of the PERKIM supreme council.-UKASnews