KOTA KINABALU: The responsibility towards new Muslims does not end after they recite the declarations of faith, but requires continuous guidance, attention, compassion and support, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said new Muslims must continue to be supported through religious education, spiritual guidance, welfare assistance, economic development, skills training and social support to enable them to live as Muslims with confidence, peace of mind and steadfastness.
“We want to nurture converts who not only understand Islam, but also experience the beauty of Islam; who are not only recipients, but eventually become contributors; and who are not only guided, but one day are able to guide others,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing ceremony and prize presentation of the national-level Ijtima’ Amal Islami Mualaf Madani (IJMAM) 2026 at Dewan Bangkuasi, Sabah State Legislative Assembly, tonight.
Hajiji said IJMAM was not merely a competition or gathering, but a platform to strengthen the understanding of Islam, discover talent, build self-confidence, shape identity and strengthen brotherhood among new Muslims from throughout Malaysia.
He said the theme, “Empowering Converts, Strengthening the Ummah”, carried a clear message that the development of converts was part of the broader agenda of developing the ummah.
In the context of Sabah, which is rich in ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, he said Islamic outreach must always be carried out with wisdom, compassion, moderation and respect for the diversity of society.
“The Islam that we preach must be reflected through good character. The Islam that we uphold must be translated into action. And the Islam that we practise must give rise to a society that is peaceful, caring, respectful and helpful towards one another,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government would continue to support efforts to empower communities, including Muslim converts, so that they have opportunities to progress, become self-reliant and subsequently contribute to the development of the state and nation, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspiration which emphasises human capital development and the inclusive well-being of the people.
At the same time, Hajiji hoped participants from across the country would take the opportunity while in Sabah to experience the beauty and uniqueness of the state, including its natural treasures, culture, customs and communities living together in harmony.
He said Sabah’s beauty lies not only in its natural surroundings, but also in its people, who are known for their hospitality, strong sense of togetherness, cultural diversity and mutual respect.
“I hope IJMAM participants from throughout Malaysia will not only take home prizes and memories from this programme, but also the experience of knowing that Sabah is a state blessed with beautiful nature, rich in culture, warm and friendly people, and enormous potential,” he said.
Hajiji said when the tourism, cultural, economic and human development sectors progressed in tandem, the benefits would return to the people through opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, arts and cultural practitioners, rural communities and the younger generation to generate income and build a better future.
He also called on new Muslims not to allow the spirit of IJMAM to end with the programme, but to keep it alive within their families, communities and efforts to develop the ummah.
“Be new Muslims who not only receive guidance, but who one day are able to guide others. Be preachers. Be leaders. Be an inspiration. And be proof that Allah’s guidance can transform a person’s life for the better and make it more meaningful,” he said.-pr/BNN
