Retiring S’wak Mufti Kipli Yassin cites State’s harmony as core principle throughout 16-year tenure

Abang Johari (second left), Kipli (left), and others during the courtesy call at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Kuching on Feb 27, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 27: Mufti of Sarawak, Datu Kipli Yassin, is concluding his service after 16 years leading the State’s fatwa institution, emphasising that harmony among Sarawak’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities has been the core principle throughout his tenure.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Kipli said that the role of the fatwa institution is not merely to issue religious rulings for Muslims, but also to ensure that its decisions do not affect the sensitivities of non-Muslims to preserve the State’s harmony.

“Although fatwas are specifically for Muslims, we also take into consideration that what we issue should not hurt the feelings of non-Muslims.

“In that way, our society will continue to live in harmony,” he said during his courtesy call to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.

Kipli, who will retire effective tomorrow (Feb 28) after 16 years of service, said his courtesy call to Abang Johari today was especially meaningful as a gesture of appreciation for the trust and confidence placed in him by the State leadership.

He praised the support of the Sarawak government in strengthening the function of the fatwa institution, enabling it to operate more broadly, systematically, and inclusively, including adapting to technological developments and social inclusivity.

“I am indebted for what has been entrusted to me and for the confidence placed in me to lead the fatwa institution in particular, as well as Islamic institutions in Sarawak,” he said in a press conference after the courtesy call.

He also said that his tenure provided him with the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the realities of society in Sarawak and Malaysia in general.

Commenting on the level of harmony in Sarawak, he described relations among the State’s diverse religious and ethnic communities as being at a good level, which was the result of wise approaches, mutual respect, and continuous cooperation.

When asked about his successor, he said that a candidate has been identified, but the official announcement will be made by the Sarawak government. — DayakDaily