KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg held an audience with His Majesty Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak at Istana Hinggap Perak on Monday, 13 July 2026.
The meeting was convened to extend a formal invitation to His Majesty to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 International Da’wah Waqf Convention, scheduled for 27 July at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The Premier also presented a letter of apology in line with protocol.
As President of the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM), Abang Johari briefed Sultan Nazrin on the objectives of the upcoming convention. He explained that PERKIM aims to strengthen waqf institutions as a foundation for da’wah, education, welfare, and support for new converts. The Premier emphasised that the convention would serve as a platform to highlight sustainable models of waqf financing and encourage international collaboration.
The convention is expected to attract prominent figures in Islamic philanthropy, scholars, and leaders from Malaysia and abroad. Delegates from Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Libya, and Thailand are among those anticipated to attend. Discussions will centre on innovative approaches to waqf management, with a particular focus on ensuring financial sustainability to support long-term religious and social initiatives.
PERKIM hopes that the outcomes of the convention will lead to practical policies and strategic partnerships between waqf institutions, government agencies, State Islamic Religious Councils, Islamic financial organisations, and da’wah bodies. The Premier underscored that such cooperation is essential to ensure waqf continues to play a pivotal role in community development and national progress.
Sultan Nazrin, known for his active involvement in Islamic affairs and education, was briefed on how the convention intends to address challenges faced by waqf institutions in modern contexts. These include the need for transparent governance, effective resource mobilisation, and adapting to contemporary socio-economic realities.
The Premier’s visit also highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to contributing to national Islamic initiatives. By engaging directly with the Sultan of Perak, Abang Johari reinforced Sarawak’s role in supporting Malaysia’s broader religious and social development agenda.
Accompanying the Premier was Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, who also serves as Project Coordinator for the Regional Development Agency, Kuching North City Hall, and Islamic Affairs. His presence underscored the importance of aligning regional leadership with national religious initiatives.
The International Da’wah Waqf Convention is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together diverse perspectives on how waqf can be revitalised to meet the needs of modern societies. Organisers anticipate that the discussions will not only strengthen Malaysia’s waqf institutions but also foster greater regional cooperation in Islamic philanthropy.
By engaging with international participants, Malaysia aims to position itself as a hub for waqf innovation and leadership. The convention is seen as an opportunity to showcase successful models while learning from the experiences of other nations.
The audience between the Sarawak Premier and Sultan Nazrin concluded with mutual recognition of the importance of waqf in sustaining da’wah and welfare initiatives. Both leaders expressed hope that the convention would pave the way for stronger institutional frameworks and more impactful community programmes.
