Building Of Ummah MADANI Must Be Inline With Technological Progress - Penang Governor

BUTTERWORTH,  Sept 5  (Bernama) -- Muslims in Penang are urged to emulate the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in addressing current challenges, particularly in an era dominated by smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing influence of social media.

Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib said that while technological advancements offer numerous benefits, they also carry the risk of misinformation, hedonistic culture, and social division if not guided by knowledge and strong moral values.

“The Ummah MADANI must be built on digital literacy rooted in both knowledge and morality, so that the Penang community becomes not only economically and technologically advanced, but also strong in faith and character.

“In the context of Penang’s Vision 2030, which aims to build a smart, family-oriented state, Muslims in the state must progress in parallel by embracing scientific values and strengthening family institutions, ensuring a more competitive and holistic well-being by 2030,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the state-level   2025M/1447H Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Al Muhajirin Mosque in Seberang Jaya here today.

The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Penang Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Suki Othman.

Ramli also expressed concern over the growing culture of bullying in schools, universities, and workplaces, which he said runs contrary to the morals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“Loving the Prophet means rejecting this inhumane culture so that we can raise a generation that truly cares for and loves one another,” he said.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri also expressed gratitude and admiration for the allocation provided for Islamic religious development in Penang, which is among the highest in Malaysia. This allocation covers the development of mosques, religious schools, tahfiz institutions, endowment, tithe, and dakwah initiatives.

On the building of Ummah MADANI, he said, the task cannot be shouldered by leaders alone but must be a shared responsibility across all levels of society.

He emphasised that mosques and suraus must function as centres of knowledge and unity for the ummah, that the family institution should be a stronghold of morality, and that social media should be used as a platform for dakwah to unite rather than divide.

“I call on all mosques and suraus in the state to intensify imarah programmes so that the sirah and sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are truly embraced and lived in the hearts of every Muslim in Penang,” he said.

At the event, the founder of the Madrasah al-Ahmadiah al-Ijtima'iyah Religious School, Jalan Padang Lallang in Bukit Mertajam,  Hamzah Jaafar, was named the recipient of the state’s Tokoh Maulidur Rasul award.

-- BERNAMA