Kota Kinabalu: State Religious Exco, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif encouraged Kariah (parish) Imams and da’wah (preaching) assistants to further their studies.
“We not only want our Imams and preaching assistants to be experienced but also have extensive knowledge in various aspects.
Advertisement
.gif)
“Therefore, we want them to continue learning including at the diploma, bachelor's degree, master's level and so on,” he said, after this after completing the Certificate of Appointment and Pledge of Allegiance for Dakwah Assistants and Imam Kariahs at Dewan Saadah, Muis, recently.
Also present were the Muis President, Datuk Yahya Hussin and Jheains Director, Jumain Abdul Ghani. Some 205 Kariah Imams and assistant preachers received letters of appointment and took their oaths.
Mohd Arifin hopes through the appointments would address the lack of Islamic Affairs Assistants throughout the state.
“We think the number of Imam Kariah and da'wah assistants is still not sufficient, but at least it can help the needs in each district,” he said.
Advertisement
.png)
Meanwhile, Mohd Arifin who is also Sabah's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation said he plans to revive the district imam post.
“God willing, in the near future, we will establish the District Imam position with the help of Muis.
Advertisement
_(1).png)
“This year we will find a way to realize the matter involved. If there is an appointment, it may be early next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jumain said that the appointment of district imams was previously only made among Kariah Imams. “Therefore, we are trying our best in the near future to create the position of district imams.
“We will hire among existing qualified Kariah Imams such as those with a diploma or at least a Malaysian Higher Religious Certificate (STAM).
“Discussions are currently underway with Muis…the mechanism for the appointment process of the district imam also needs to be taken into account,” he said.