KUCHING, Sept 28 ― Sarawak government’s moderate approach in its Islamic teaching has been vital in preserving peace and harmony in the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at the state-level Maulidur Rasul assembly and procession at Padang Merdeka here today, Abang Johari said the administration of a multi-racial and multi-religious state must be based on the concept of justice, wisdom and unity so that the rights and interests of all races and religions could be protected.

According to him, the Madinah Charter had demonstrated how Prophet Muhammad’s leadership in administering the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Madinah had served as a catalyst to the flourishing of Islam across the world.

"We should emulate the qualities and values of Prophet Muhammad by upholding integrity and justice in spreading Islam throughout the world.

"Let’s take the example of Prophet Muhammad, who had created the Madinah Charter. It emphasised the importance of justice and tolerance in taking care of Muslim and non-Muslim people,” he said.

Abang Johari pointed out that Prophet Muhammad was a leader, an administrator, a commander, a strategist who had managed to spread Islam to all corners of the world through his moderate approach.

He added that Prophet Muhammad’s wisdom had continued to inspire people of all faiths.

Citing the Charter of Freedom of Religion sent by Prophet Muhammad to the monks of Monastery of St Catherine in Mount Sinai in 628CE, Abang Johari said the charter served as a document where Prophet Muhammad pledged his commitment to grant equal rights and protection to all residents, regardless of their belief and religious background.

This was evidence that Prophet Muhammad had always promoted a message of tolerance and coexistence in a diverse society, he added.

"The practice of religious tolerance showed how Prophet Muhammad had always promoted the value when he agreed to sign the agreement with the monks at St Catherine’s monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai in the year 627 AD.

"The agreement has been recorded in the world history as a treaty document which reflects Prophet Muhammad’s wisdom in taking care of interreligious relationships,” he said, adding that Prophet Muhammad had also emphasised the importance of integrity.

Thus, Abang Johari said the Muslims in the state must continue to strive to emulate the qualities and values demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad in preserving harmony so that Sarawak could achieve its vision as a developed state by 2030.

He also pledged that the state government would continue to uphold justice for all.

"We must take heed because Sarawak has a diverse social background. The Sarawak government will always uphold justice for all. The people of Sarawak also must always practise tolerance so that our state, region, will continue to advance by 2030.

"With this approach, Sarawak can set as an example to our friends in Malaysia,” he said. ― Borneo Post