PITAS, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Pitas assemblyman Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah, his wife Datin Seri Asiah Udin and their youngest child officially embraced Islam at their residence in Kampung Salimpodon Laut here today.
The conversion ceremony for Ruddy, 58, who is also Sabah Assistant Minister of Works and Utilities, together with Asiah, 56, and their son Aswady, 26, was livestreamed on his Facebook page.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the syahadah together and in turns, accompanied by its meaning in Malay, followed by the azan, recitation of Quranic verses, selawat and kenduri kesyukuran (thanksgiving feast).
The recitation of the syahadah was led by state Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar and witnessed by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman.
“Today is a historic day for me, my wife and my son as we have recited the syahadah, and I am very happy to have been guided to Islam,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
Ruddy said four of his six children had embraced Islam, becoming the main inspiration for his family’s journey to Islam.
He stressed that the decision was made sincerely and without any coercion, and was not intended as a stepping stone to pursue rank or position, as he felt there were no longer any worldly interests he sought to pursue.
He explained that he and his wife, who previously followed pagan beliefs, had studied Islam for more than 10 years in search of a true way of life.
“Many of my friends have performed umrah. I gave them donations and asked them to mention my name and pray for me to become part of the Muslim community,” he said, referring to a long-held aspiration.
The ceremony was also attended by Sabah Cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, as well as members of the local community.
-- BERNAMA