He said the Sabah Islamic Affairs Coordination Committee must be mindful of the sensitivities of the multiracial and multi-religious communities in the state.

“We need to be mindful of the fact that Malaysia is a plural society that always prioritises moderation and harmony, which is also in line with the Fiqh Sabahi (methodology on preaching) concept practised in Sabah,” he said.

Speaking at the presentation of appointment letters to the committee members here today, Hajiji said they would not only represent the Muslim voice in the state but also the Sabah government on Islamic affairs.

He would also like to see the committee assist in the empowerment of Islamic education, and strengthening community unity and economic development of the Muslim community through the zakat and wakaf institution and halal hub.

In a statement, Hajiji said the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (direction) emphasised human capital.

“In this respect, I hope the development of a human capital pool that is knowledgeable and skilled will be a focus of this committee,” he said.

Chaired by Sabah special tasks minister Arifin Mohd Arif, the committee has 19 members.

Its functions include acting as the official government platform to discuss, consider and manage Islamic affairs matters referred to the state by the National Council for Islamic Affairs and the National Islamic Affairs Committee.

It would also act as the adviser on Islamic affairs to the chief minister.

Among the committee members are state mufti Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, Sabah shariah chief Judge Alidin @ Ahmad Din OKK Othman, Sabah Islamic affairs department director Saifulzaman Sangul, Sabah department of Islamic development director Norjeli Dais, Sabah police chief Hazani Ghazali and Malaysian Fifth Infantry Division Commander Mohd Halim Khalid.