Religious Elites and the Management of Islamic Affairs in Sarawak: A Mixed Scorecard

The contributions of Muslim religious figures and the religious administration in Sarawak warrant serious attention not only because of their historical significance, having existed since the period of British administration under the Brooke family, but also because in recent years they have emphasised two key priorities. First, the advancement of astronomical (falak) development for the benefit of all Malaysians, and second, the calibrated openness demonstrated by their religious authority on certain issues. However, Sarawak’s relative openness in managing religious affairs is not without irony and its score on managing intra-faith openness remains far from ideal.

The former Mufti of Sarawak, Haji Kipli bin Yassin, is a native of Sarikei who occupied the position from 1 March 2010 to 1 March 2026 (the new Mufti is Datu Khalidi Ibrahim). As Mufti, Kipli Yassin placed particular emphasis on the development of Islamic astronomy and advanced Sarawak’s standing as a regional centre for astronomical studies. Three of Malaysia’s 29 crescent observation stations are located in Sarawak and have played an important role in determining the sighting of the Ramadan crescent over the years, underscoring the state’s strategic location and access to specialised technology. These developments demonstrate the Sarawak religious authority keeping up with scientific progress to strengthen theological opinions.

For instance, the Miri Observatory Centre, constructed by the Sarawak State Mufti Department (JMNS), was completed on 13 July 2021 at a cost of MYR4.5 million (USD1.14 million), funded by the state government. Sarawak also inaugurated the MYR4.9 million (USD1.24 million) Bintulu Observatory Centre on 1 February 2023, following its completion on 9 November 2022. The latter facility serves as a hub for observation and calendar-setting, research and development, education, the dissemination of astronomical knowledge and astro-tourism. Another observatory in Kuching, Balai Cerap Teluk Bandung, was proposed by Kipli Yassin, endorsed by the state government and constructed at the cost of an estimated MYR100 million (USD25.34 million).

Sarawak is frequently cited as a model for other Malaysian states in matters concerning inter-faith harmony. However, the assumption that the state’s religious authorities play a decisive role in this regard is somewhat inaccurate. Unlike in other Malaysian states, religious affairs in Sarawak are often shaped by political authority, reflecting the state’s unique socio-religious dynamics.

Yet Sarawak’s scorecard relating to intra-faith tolerance remains wanting.

A key factor in determining these dynamics is the state’s religious demography: only 26 per cent of Sarawak’s population identifies as Muslim, while approximately 29 per cent are Christian, 17 per cent are Buddhist or Taoist, and the remainder adhere to other world religions or traditional animist beliefs. With no dominant religious group, it is easier to maintain inter-faith harmony. The relatively balanced composition of ethnic and religious communities in Sarawak has enabled intercommunal relations to be sustained in a largely harmonious manner, albeit with deliberate political management. Such an equilibrium prevents any single group from attaining overwhelming dominance, thereby reducing the likelihood of one community exerting pressure upon another or claiming a superior entitlement to political or social primacy. It is, fundamentally, a framework of balance and negotiated coexistence.

Sarawak’s muftis, while constitutionally under the Malaysian King, align with state political elites yet retain their autonomy by selectively issuing fatwas independent of Putrajaya’s guidance. The Sarawak Mufti Office adopts a pluralist approach to inter-faith issues, such as the kalimah Allah dispute, while remaining cautious on intra-faith matters. The state has upheld non-Muslim religious rights, including the High Court ruling in the Jill Ireland case and Roneey Rebit’s successful conversion out of Islam.

Yet Sarawak’s scorecard relating to intra-faith tolerance remains wanting. As with other Malaysian states, Shi’ism is not recognised as a religion, reflecting the authorities’ caution. They have allowed divisive figures such as Zimbabwean scholar Mufti Menk, who has been banned from preaching in Johor and Singapore, to lecture in Kuching. Menk has faced restrictions in several countries for alleged associations with Wahhabism, a charge he has denied.

This irony is also exemplified in the form of Juanda Jaya, a Sarawak native who served as Mufti of Perlis from 2009 to 2014 on secondment from the Sarawak state government. Prior to this, he held the position of Deputy Mufti of Sarawak (2003-2007) and was Principal Assistant Director of the State Islamic Religious Department. He later became Deputy President of the Sarawak Islamic Council. Between 2008 and 2015, Juanda was a controversial figure whom some associated with Wahhabism. In 2011, all Malaysian muftis except Juanda were invited to a briefing by the prominent traditionalist scholar Dr Muhammad Uthman El-Muhammady in Putrajaya on terrorism and its alleged links to Wahhabism.

Following his tenure in Perlis, Juanda contested the Sarawak state elections and was elected as a State Legislative Assembly member for Jemoreng. Subsequently, he was appointed Assistant Minister for Integrity and Ombudsman in Sarawak under the administration of Abang Johari Tun Openg. Juanda’s career and decision to move to politics underscores the limited influence of the mufti institution in Sarawak, where its authority remains heavily circumscribed by the political powers in Putrajaya. Based on this observation, political power significantly influences the practice of Islam in Sarawak. Although it does not significantly contribute to the level of pluralism one might hope for in terms of discourse, it appears to prioritise the development of astronomical knowledge, which can be used by other states in Malaysia and Muslim communities in Southeast Asian countries.

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