By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Dec 3 — The organisation of the Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council (Maksak) Islamic Carnival 2023 is set to further enhance the Islamic values among public officials, Selangor state secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim said.
The four-day carnival, which kicked off on November 30, featured several competitions like Quranic recitation, dakwah, and contemporary nasheed, with the participation of 16 contingents from across the country.
Haris said this year’s edition, which is hosted by Selangor Maksak, offers a unique take due to its Islamic elements, as opposed to past events that focused on sports.
“Efforts like this must continue. Perhaps, Malaysia Maksak can consider adding other events such as qasidah (Islamic music) and azan (call to prayer) competitions.
“I believe civil servants across Malaysia have hidden talents and can use this platform as a stepping stone to succeed in their dakwah (preaching),” he said at the carnival’s closing ceremony at the State Administrative Building, here, today.
Haris added that in Selangor, Islamic-themed programmes are consistently held, often organised by the state government, as an effort to develop human capital.
"In May this year, the state held the Selangor Islamic Heritage Festival for eight consecutive days, featuring events like dhikr ceremony, gathering of young Middle Eastern scholars, and a symposium attended by 2,500 people,” he said.
