BANDAR SERI PUTRA, SEPT 9: The 2013 International Converts Conference organised by the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS) received praise from the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim because it addressed the issue of convert’s development based on research on experience from experts involved.
Abdul Khalid said that the approach should be emulated in reaching out to a variety of pressing issues because it helps open up perspectives and generates new ideas.
“I believe that this approach is very thoughtful,” said Abdul Khalid. “This conference presents papers and experience of experts who have studied their efforts to develop converts.
He said this at a press conference after launching the conference. This conference was organised by KUIS, together with the UKM Islam Hadhari Institute and backed by the Selangor Islamic Religious council (MAIS).
Also present was the Reactor of KUIS, Professor Datuk Dr Abd Halim Tamuri and the Secretary of MAIS, Datuk Mohd Misri Idris.
In addition to local studies, the conference which took place from 7 September to 8 September also examined studies from abroad such as from Indonesia and Singapore.
Abdul Khalid expressed confidence that MAIS will come up with the best method to approach the issue of the development of converts after the presentation at the conference is documented for the purpose of reference.
Meanwhile, Abd Halim said that Selangor is among the top states in the country to record non-Muslim converts to Islam every year.
“Last year, statistics showed about 1,500 converts and this year, as of July, almost 1,400 people have converted to Islam.
“Not just Indians and Chinese, but other races such as Kadazan, the people of Sabah, Sarawak, including those from abroad such as the Philippines, have embraced Islam in Selangor,” he said.