Taib (fourth left) – with Abang Johari on his right – presents the mock cheque to a representative of Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board, as (from left) Dr Hazland, Dr Abdul Rahman, Asfia and other guests look on. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Muslims in the state are urged to become global citizens who can adapt to changes and work together for the betterment of the world.

In making this call, Head of State TunPehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said it is the duty of Muslims to practise and share what is mentioned in the Holy Quran.

“The world is an ever-changing place, and bigger powers such as America and Russia will surely have the bigger say and monopolise the economy,” he reminded.

Taibfurther said Muslims must be progressive to ensure that the country could stand together with the more powerful countries.

“That is the new world order. We cannot stand behind and wait; true to the teachings of the Quran, we need to be progressive and at the same time, share the beautiful teachings of Quran by adapting them to our daily lives,” he advised.

The Head of State was speaking at the state-level Nuzul Al-Quran event held at Masjid Darul Hana here on Sunday night.

On a related matter, Taib said Muslims inAseancountries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei need to be close to one another to discuss any current Islamic issues.

“Apart from meeting to discuss issues, the platform can be used to further strengthen ties between Islamic communities from the region,” he added.

At the event, Taib presented the ‘Manfaat Wakaf Medan Hamidah’ (a type of legacy) worth RM60,000 to Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board and another RM60,000 to Demak Baru Mosque Trust Board.

The event began with ‘buka puasa’ (break-of-fast), followed by Maghrib and Isya prayers, a religious sermon and Tarawih prayer.

Others present at the event wereChief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Islamic Council president Datu Misnu Taha.