20th RISEAP General Assembly convenes in Cambodia: A landmark event for regional collaboration

The Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) successfully hosted its 20th General Assembly in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from Wednesday 4 to Saturday 7 December 2024 marking a significant gathering of delegates and leaders from 24 member countries, underscoring RISEAP’s commitment to fostering unity, education, and development among Muslim communities in the region.

Held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the assembly was graced by prominent leaders, including the President of RISEAP and Premier of Sarawak, the Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. Other key attendees included Deputy President Mr Ridzuan Wu, Secretary General Dato Mohamad Marzuki, and Dr Rateb Jneid, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) and Vice President of RISEAP, Ms Manal Jneid, President of the Muslim Women Welfare and Advocacy and Ms Zubeda Raihman, President, Muslim Women’s National Network of Australia (MWNNA) representing Australia.

In the past a number of Australian Muslim leaders have been associated with RISEAP including founding President of AFIC, Dr Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, a past President of AFIC, Dr Mohammad Ali Wang as well as Ms Aziza Abdel Halim, past President of Muslim Women’s National Network of Australia (MWNNA).

Key highlights of the event

The event attracted over 1,000 attendees, including ministers, members of parliament, government officials, and representatives from RISEAP’s three zonal regions—Northern Zone (Japan, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan), Central Zone (Southeast Asian nations), and Southern Zone (Oceania). Associate members from Maldives and Sri Lanka were also present.

The 18th Women’s Wing Meeting
On Thursday 5 December, the Women’s Wing Meeting brought together leaders and advocates for Muslim women’s welfare. Ms Manal Jneid, President of the Muslim Women Welfare and Advocacy and a RISEAP delegate, delivered the Country Report for Australia. The session emphasised promoting wellbeing, education, and empowerment for women in Muslim-minority communities.
The 44th RISEAP Anniversary Presidential Dinner
The Presidential Dinner on Friday 6 December was a grand celebration of RISEAP’s legacy. Held at the Thansur Restaurant, it showcased the council’s achievements and the unity among its members. Ms Zubeda Raihman was honoured with an award for “exemplary leadership” by RISEAP at the Presidential dinner night for her two decades of voluntary service to the Women’s Wing and RISEAP executive team.
Official Opening Ceremony
The assembly was officially inaugurated on Saturday 7 December by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. His address highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and regional cooperation.
Resolutions Adopted
Delegates unanimously adopted critical resolutions condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. They reaffirmed their stance on the protection of civilians and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasising solidarity with affected populations.
Educational Visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Delegates visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, reflecting on the tragic history of Cambodia and reinforcing RISEAP’s mission of promoting peace and justice.

Vision for the future

In his keynote address, President Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari emphasised the council’s focus on embracing digitalisation, leveraging artificial intelligence, and empowering Muslim communities through economic initiatives. He reaffirmed the commitment to RISEAP’s founding principles: fostering unity, improving education, and promoting sustainable development for Muslim minorities.

RISEAP’s legacy, founded in 1980, continues to thrive under the leadership of its dedicated members. The assembly concluded with a renewed pledge to advance RISEAP’s mission in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, ensuring the prosperity and harmony of Muslim communities across the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions.

RISEAP serves as a vital platform for Muslim-minority organizations across East Asia and the Pacific. Guided by its founding slogan, “In service of Muslim minorities,” the council has grown to include 52 member organizations from 24 countries and territories.

Through initiatives in education, interfaith dialogue, and economic empowerment, RISEAP continues to strengthen the bonds of unity and cooperation among its members.