SERIAN – The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, asserted that the Al-Quran should be regarded as more than a book of recital and memorisation but also an origin for knowledge-driven development in science, technology and modern economics.
In his opening address at the 65th Sarawak-level Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Ceremony at the Serian Conference Centre, he pointed out that it was vital to apply the teachings of Al-Quran in real life for civilisation development.
He referred to the theory of Islamic scholar Ibnu Khaldun on societal development that involves management practices among humans as well as a harmonious relationship with the environment.
Citing a Quranic verse, Abang Johari said: “Allah does not change the destiny of a people until they change what is in themselves. If we want to change, then we have got to know something of this knowledge, for it is the knowledge which enables us to do whatever there is on the Earth or in Heaven. That’s why our attempts to develop Sarawak is at the heart of education.”
“It is part of Sarawak’s development strategy to enter new blue ocean industries, among others the aerospace, astronomy, AI and semiconductor which are now at the heart-beat of global economy,” he added.
The Premier reiterated that Sarawak should not be just a passive user of technology, but it must be part and parcel to the making and inventing of technology itself.
To do so, Sarawak has been focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training to produce a highly skilled generation. In the semiconductor and electronics sector too, the state has signed some strategic partnerships with international universities to create knowledge.
Under this programme, three Sarawak students will further their PhD education in semiconductors overseas, with would strengthen the state’s position in the global high-tech value chain.
He (Abang Johari) added development must also be environment-friendly. He said there is an emphasis in Sarawak on the promotion of green energy, with ecology-friendly undertakings to make sure progress will always be in tandem with nature, more so now that the world was undergoing climate change.
Meanwhile, the Premier also announced the proposed permanent building for Darul Hana Al-Quran Development Centre under Sarawak Islamic Council at Petra Jaya.
The centre will be a free-source knowledge-product development-cum-distribution with the aim of inculcating (knowledge) and promoting intellectual efforts and moral values among people.
Also, present were Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nasar, Speaker of Sarawak Legislative Assembly; Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn who is Minister of Education for Innovation and Talent Development; Dato Haji Idris bin Haji Buang, Deputy member of the legislative Assembly; Datuk Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi, Deputy to the Prime Minister’s Department; And Datuk Haj Misnu bin Haj Taha as well as President from Sarawak Islamic Council.
The Premier’s words further supported Sarawak’s aspiration to unite faith, knowledge and innovation for a future-ready society that could have positive impact on world technological advancement but remain ethical and environmentally responsible.
