KUCHING, July 25 — The emphasis on fairness to all regardless of religion as underlined under the Charter of Medina will be the basis of the Sarawak government in formulating policy in the state.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the charter which is also known as the Constitution of Medina, gives fair governance to its people and prioritises the value of humanity.
“When Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina he set up a government that is fair to all, to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“The constitution (of Medina) will become our guide. We must be fair to those under us, as the Premier of Sarawak, I and my colleagues will use this as a basis for us to formulate policies that will benefit all,” he said in his speech at the two-day International Conference of Muslim Scholars which starts today.
The Constitution of Medina was an agreement made by Prophet Muhammad with the people of Medina who comprised various groups to forge understanding, mutual respect and unity among them.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said in Sarawak all religions are respected and taken care of by the state government.
“We have the Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak looking for the Muslims and we also have Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to assist the non-Muslims. This is because of the respect we have for the non-Muslim,” he added.
