1 hour ago
3
ADVERTISE HERE
Kipli (seated left) hands over the Sarawak Mufti duties to Khalidi as Dr Abdul Rahman (standing, second right) and other dignitaries look on at the Sarawak Islamic Complex on March 2, 2026.Advertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 2: Newly appointed Sarawak Mufti Datu Khalidi Ibrahim today pledged to continue the efforts and initiatives carried out by his predecessor, saying he would carry out his duties with full commitment and accountability.
He expressed gratitude to Allah and thanked the Head of State Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and State leadership for the confidence placed in him to lead the State’s prestigious fatwa institution.
Advertisement
“I humbly accept this appointment and seek prayers from everyone so that I may carry out this duty with honesty, sincerity, wisdom and full responsibility,” he told reporters after the Mufti handover of duties ceremony at the Sarawak Islamic Complex.
When asked about his plans moving forward, Khalidi said he would continue the work and direction established by former Mufti Datu Kipli Yassin.
“God willing, I will continue the efforts implemented by Datu Kipli Yassin and will carry out this responsibility with full commitment,” he added.
Born on March 21, 1968, in Igan, Mukah, Khalidi has served in the Sarawak Civil Service for more than 30 years, including as Director of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) from 2018 until his mandatory retirement in March 2024, and later served as a Syariah reference expert at the Sarawak Mufti Department (2024–2026).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Syariah from Al-Azhar University in Cairo and a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies (Syariah) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and has undergone specialised training in fatwa administration in Cairo as well as senior management programmes locally and abroad.
Apart from his role as Mufti, Khalidi currently sits as a member of the Sarawak Fatwa Board (2025–2028) and the Baitulmal and Wakaf Board (2025–2028), and also serves as an executive committee member of the Sarawak Ulama Association (2024–present) and adviser to Masjid Darulhusni War Rahmah in Taman Hussein/Rahmat, Kuching (2010–present).
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who witnessed the official handover ceremony, stressed that the role of a mufti extended beyond issuing fatwa to guiding the ummah, strengthening religious understanding and ensuring balance between syariah principles and the realities of an evolving society.
He paid tribute to Kipli’s long service and contributions, noting that under his leadership, the institution of fatwa in Sarawak had remained respected, credible and trusted by the community.
“His experience, wisdom and guidance will remain a valuable legacy to Islamic institutions in Sarawak,” Dr Abdul Rahman said, adding that prayers were offered for Kipli’s continued good health and that he would continue contributing knowledge and advice to society even after leaving office.
He also congratulated Khalidi on his appointment, describing the responsibility entrusted to him as a major amanah that requires wisdom, firmness based on knowledge, and the ability to lead society in facing increasingly complex challenges.
“I am confident that, with his experience, knowledge, and authority, he is capable of continuing the excellence of Sarawak’s fatwa institution to an even higher level,” he said.
The ceremony, organised by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), was attended by heads of Islamic agencies, members of the Sarawak Fatwa Board, council members, officers and staff of Islamic agencies, as well as media representatives.
Khalidi’s appointment as Sarawak Mufti took effect on March 1, 2026, while Kipli served in the post from March 1, 2010 until Feb 28, 2026. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·