Premier Abang Johari chairs first Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation council meeting as new president

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 14: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has chaired his first National Council Meeting of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) in his new role as president, following his appointment during the organisation’s 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the meeting, held at the PERKIM building on Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Kuala Lumpur today, marked the first full session led by Abang Johari since taking over the presidency from former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He was welcomed on arrival by PERKIM vice presidents led by Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Economy Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

In his remarks, Abang Johari expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him to lead PERKIM at the national level, and paid tribute to the previous leadership for their contributions in shaping the organisation’s vision and welfare agenda.

“I will continue to give full commitment towards strengthening the waqf (Islamic endowment) agenda as part of our effort to enhance the well-being of Muslims in this country,” he reportedly said in his keynote address.

During the meeting, Abang Johari also appointed Dato Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar as PERKIM secretary-General and Datu Mersal Abang Rosli as treasurer.

The council also adopted the minutes of previous meetings, including the National Council Meeting No.1/63 held on Sept 27, 2024, a Special National Council Meeting on Feb 20, 2025, and another special meeting concerning the 64th PERKIM National AGM held on May 10, 2025.

Meanwhile, Hanifah welcomed Abang Johari’s appointment in a Facebook post, expressing confidence that the new leadership will further strengthen PERKIM’s welfare efforts and expand its impact nationwide.

“I hope this new leadership will continue to strengthen welfare initiatives and broaden PERKIM’s reach across the country,” she stated. — DayakDaily

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