KOTA KINABALU: In an era dominated by relentless digital noise, high-quality literature serves as a crucial anchor for young minds navigating today’s fast-moving world, Sabah Exco member Datuk Ariffin Arif said yesterday.
“Amid the relentless tide of information in the modern era, books remain essential for young minds to develop sound judgment and critical thinking skills,” Ariffin said during the launch of the Islamic Literature Corner.
He emphasized that cultivating a knowledge-driven culture is vital for society, noting that greater exposure to diverse Islamic literature—from foundational religious texts to contemporary academic works—reinforces the role of reading in safeguarding moral integrity and faith.
Highlighting this year’s dedicated exhibition hall as a proactive step toward broadening public access to quality books, Ariffin commended the organizers for delivering a timely, high-impact platform.
Held in conjunction with the Kota Kinabalu International Book Fair (KKIBF), the Islamic Literature Corner is a collaborative effort between Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM) Sabah Branch.
Ariffin reaffirmed the State Government’s strong backing for the initiative, which brought together more than 2,000 religious school students to explore diverse literary genres. Prominent attendees at the event included renowned Turkish scholar As-Sayyid As-Sheikh Abdul Shabour Al-Kayyali Ar-Rifa’ie Al-Husaini.
Meanwhile, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor highlighted that this year’s book fair serves as an ongoing movement to build a knowledge-driven civilization and advance religious outreach (dakwah).
“The establishment of the Islamic Literature Corner is a dedicated initiative that prioritizes the tenets of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” said Dr. Kasim. The text of his speech was delivered UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof. Datuk Dr. Rossita Shapawi.
Also present were State Mufti Datuk Ustaz Hj. Bungsu @ Aziz Hj. Jaafar, President of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Datuk Yahya Hussin, and Director of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) Datuk Awang Juri Ag. Tahir. – Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
Ariffin (4th from right), launching the event accompanied by Dr Rossita (3rd from right).
