Sarawak welcomes new mufti, honours past appointee

KUCHING (March 3): The new Sarawak Mufti is expected to bring the state’s Islamic institutions to greater heights.

According to Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall [DBKU] and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the appointment of Datu Khalidi Ibrahim carries along with it immense responsibility, wisdom, firmness grounded in knowledge and the ability to guide the ‘ummah’ (society) through increasingly complex contemporary challenges.

“May today’s handing-over ceremony symbolise the continuity of scholarly leadership, guided by wisdom, unity and a strong sense of responsibility towards religion, the state and society,” said Dr Abdul Rahman in his speech for the programme held at Sarawak Islamic Complex hall here on Monday.

In congratulating Khalidi on his appointment, the deputy minister also conveyed his appreciation and best wishes to the former mufti, Datu Kipli Yassin, for his years of dedicated service.

“The role of a mufti is not merely to issue and agree on ‘fatwa’ (Islamic decress), but also to serve as a reference for the ‘ummah’, a guide in religious understanding, and a voice of wisdom in ensuring a balance between the demands of the ‘syariah’ (Islamic law) and the ever-evolving realities of society.

“Under the leadership of Datu Kipli Yassin, Sarawak’s fatwa institution has been strengthened to become a more respected, authoritative and trusted body,” said Dr Abdul Rahman.

Khalidi officially assumed the post of Sarawak Mufti on March 1, succeeding Kipli, whose term ended on Feb 28.

Following his mandatory retirement in 2024, Khalidi was appointed on contract as a syariah reference expert at the Sarawak Mufti Department, serving from July 1, 2024 to Feb 28 this year.

He previously served as deputy director of Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) from 2016 to 2017, before being appointed its director in 2018, and served until 2024.

Throughout his career, he received several state honours, including the Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak (DJBS), which carries the title ‘Datu’, in 2023.

Khalidi’s other honours include the Excellent Service Medal (Gold) in 2019, Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang in 2017, Pingat Perkhidmatan Bakti (Silver) in 2009, as well as the Excellent Service Award (APC) in 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2016.