NEW ZEALAND – BAITULMAL IN THE OFFING
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 6THJUNE 2010: The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) organized a one-day Baitulmal workshop at a local hotel. Hj. Abang Mohd. Shibli Abg. Naili, the General Manager of Baitulmal Sarawak, Malaysia was the key speaker of the day assisted by his Deputy, Mr. Bolhassan Taibi. Hj. Abg. Shibli spoke key areas and challenges in setting up Baitulmal. The setting up of Baitulmal Australia and New Zealand was inspired and proposed by YAB Pehin Dr. Taib Mahmud, the President of RISEAP during its biennial General Assembly in Auckland in December 2009. It was unanimously adopted by the assembly.
In his opening note, he briefed the audience the history of Baitulmal Sarawak before and after the state’s independence through Malaysia. He took reference the collection and distribution system of zakat, sadaqatul jariah and wakaf of Baitulmal Sarawak. He also shared his views on the service delivery and technology system and processes of Baitulmal Sarawak. Abg. Hj. Shibli articulated about property development, fund management and the strategy of continuous wealth creation to ensure that Baitulmal will not just survive but thrives under any environment and circumstance. He reiterated that the success of Baitulmal hinges on quality manangement, system and personnel.
He recognized the fact that local legal, social, political and ethnic factors need to be stringently observed and extra care need to be exercised to ensure that Baitulmal New Zealand will be implemented successfully in tandem with New Zealand local requirements, values and norms. Corollary to the technical briefing, FIANZ would do the follow-up briefing sessions with the local Muslims community. Baring any unforeseen circumstances, FIANZ will be instrumental and acts as the key vehicle in setting and launching Baitulmal New Zealand in December 2010.
