KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed the establishment of a dedicated trust fund to protect Malay-owned properties.
He stressed the need for collective financial strength and collaboration within the Malay community, saying that trust funds could serve as a financial safety net to purchase properties at market value and prevent their loss.
This, he said, will ensure the properties remain within the community despite the division of assets under faraid (Islamic inheritance law).
“When properties are divided among heirs, selling becomes inevitable. If no buyers from our community come forward, these properties may change hands, and their status may shift.
“The solution lies in strengthening the Malay property rights through a trust fund.
“If a property must be sold due to faraid, this fund can purchase it at market value, ensuring the asset remains under Malay ownership and is managed by the community itself.”
He said this after launching a book on ‘Customs of the Sarawak Malay Community Based on Islamic Shariah’ at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today (Jan 20).
Highlighting the success of such initiatives, Abang Johari shared how a Malay-based trust fund had preserved significant properties, including the historic Arif Hotel on Jalan Haji Taha here.
He said that when the hotel’s division became necessary, the trust fund stepped in to buy it.
He also cited the development of the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre as an example of community-driven progress, where land with historical significance was transformed into a modern building owned by the local Malay community.
“This ensured the property stayed within the community, safeguarding its cultural and historical value,” he added.
Additionally, the Premier encouraged collaboration with non-Malay developers, provided the community retains equity in such ventures.
“Malays must actively participate as equity partners. You don’t sell 100 per cent, but to take on equity, the Malay community must have financial strength,” he stressed.
Abang Johari also called for the implementation of similar trust fund strategies across Sarawak, reflecting on the challenges faced by Malay villages in urban areas, such as Kampung Wireless in Miri and Kampung Nyabor in Sibu.
“This is all we can contribute as a government without affecting the relationship between Malays and non-Malays.
“It is a holistic approach to preserving Malay culture,” he said.
