Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer standing next to one of the sundails that he helped design and build.
PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has named Islamic intellectual figure and engineer Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer as its new chairman, replacing Tan Sri Daud Bakar effective Feb 15, says Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
In a statement on Thursday (Feb 15), the Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said the appointment was made following the consent given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
According to Mohd Na’im, Syed Kamarulzaman had previously worked as an electronic and computer engineer at Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for over 33 years.
“He is an Islamic figure and intellectual with extensive experience in various fields, including science and technology, as well as being entrusted as a panel of thinkers and advisors to several organisations, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim).
“He is also the president of the Malaysian Astronomy and Syarie Association, where he has been involved in designing and building sundials for almost 15 years.
“His sundial is designed to be a functional sculpture that can be used as a pedagogical tool in teaching astronomy,” he said, adding that the design has won awards at the international level.
In 2023, Syed Kamarulzaman received the Maulidur Rasul Award for his contribution to developing the field of Islamic astronomy in Malaysia.
“Indeed, Syed Kamarulzaman's extensive experience as an Islamic figure and intellectual is very valuable in continuing the excellence of MAIWP.
“At the same time, I would like to express my highest appreciation and thanks to Tan Sri Daud Bakar for all his service in leading the MAIWP for the 2021-2024 session.
“All members of the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) pray that he will continue to be given guidance from Allah to carry this great trust for the sake of upholding Islam and Muslims,” he added.
