Those included conference program, source of funding, and others. Ustaz Abdul Halim, the CEO of Zakat Melaka, and Dr Abdul Halim, the Director of CIPFS - UiTM and the chairman of organizing committee, have also confirmed the readiness of the host institution. Among the Indonesian delegates accompanying Prof Bambang Sudibyo were M Arifin Purwakananta (BAZNAS Deputy), Jaja Jaelani (BAZNAS Secretary) and Irfan Syauqi Beik (Director of BAZNAS Center of Strategic Studies).
Prof Bambang Sudibyo, who is also BAZNAS Chairman, stated that this upcoming WZF International Conference and Annual Meeting is very important as media to harmonize global zakat movement. He praised strong support from host country for the success of the conference especially the support from Melaka Chief Minister Tn Adly Zahari. In a meeting with the Melaka Chief Minister in his office, WZF-SG also explained the preparation of the event in details and invited the CM to officially open the WZF conference.
As response to the request, the Melaka CM said that he would prioritize this WZF conference and insha Allah willing to come and open the program officially. He also thanked the WZF for giving opportunity to Melaka to become the host and expected more roles played by Zakat Melaka. "We commit to develop zakat as this is a very important instrument that has deep impact to the life of many," CM said in his remarks.
Meanwhile, Irfan Syauqi Beik, who is also WZF Executive Secretary and the deputy chairman of the organizing committee, stated that the progress of the committee was running well and still on the right track. This gave confidence that this conference would meet its objectives. "One of the new agenda in the conference is high level discussion session which will be attended by several minister of religious affairs. This will give more weight to the event itself," Irfan said. On the other hand, BAZNAS Deputy M Arifin Purwakananta assured BAZNAS support for the success of the program. (WZF News)