SARIKEI: The Sarawak government has adopted the Muqarabah spirit in its leadership, aiming to enhance the state's popularity globally.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg stated that Sarawak's policy balancing environmental conservation with development has drawn inspiration from the Muqarabah spirit.

He explained that Muqarabah signifies translates to awareness or 'mindfulness' in English.

"Alhamdulillah, driven by this Muqarabah spirit, the Sarawak government focuses on sustainable development to preserve our environment. To date, we are globally recognised for hydrogen energy production," he said.

He made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the upgraded Al-Muttaqqin Mosque in Sarikei on Friday.

Additionally, he mentioned that the Sarawak government has allocated an additional RM1.5 million to upgrade the mosque's fence.

"For this mosque, Datuk Len Talif Salleh requested RM1.5 million, so I approved RM1.5 million for it. Hopefully, it will benefit the entire community," he added.

It is understood that the new mosque, upgraded with a fund of RM9.5 million, can accommodate up to 2,500 worshippers at one time.

Earlier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also had the opportunity to perform Friday prayers with other honored guests and local residents.

Also present were the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Acting Sarawak State Secretary Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Sarawak, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarikei Member of Parliament Dato' Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Tanjung Manis Member of Parliament Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, and the President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha.-UKASnews