Kuala Lumpur- Reciters from Malaysia emerged champions in the male and female category of the 49th International Quran Recital Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre last night.
Aziz Mustakim, 44, from Johor, and Amnah Ayup, 37, from Sarawak, each won RM13,887, challenge trophies and certificates.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin presented the prizes to the winners.
Amnah, a religious teacher, secured the highest points of 94.5 per cent, beating 26 other qariah (female reciters) while Aziz scored 92.17 per cent, beating 38 others.
Indonesian Darwin Hasibuan Sohibudin had the same score as Aziz but the latter was adjudged champion as his marks in the tajwid (proper recitation) was higher.
The tajwid category carries 60 per cent, melody (25 per cent) and vocals (15 per cent).
Harun Moos from South Africa took third place with 89.83 per cent in the male category while Hasbia Lambutolo from Indonesia and Thailand`s Kanokwan Sukhtawan emerged second and third respectively in the female category.
The second and third place winners each took home RM10,415 and RM6,943 respectively.
An elated Aziz said it had been his goal to win the international Quran recital since young.
"Now that I have won, I am going to groom the younger generation," said the Kluang district religious supervisor.
Amnah regarded her win as special as the country would be celebrating its 50th year of independence.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Minister in the Prime Minister`s Department Prof Datuk Dr Abdullah Mohd Zin.
Source: www.nst.com.my (23 Agustus 2007)