BINTULU: All religious leaders have been urged to work together with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure social inclusivity and religious harmony thrive in the community.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said this is essential to advance Sarawak into a progressive and respected region by 2030.
“Religious leaders play a very crucial role in conveying the message of unity and tolerance within their respective communities.
“Indeed, unity is our calling. Unity in diversity is our strength where our communities from various cultures, religious beliefs and social status coexist in peace and harmony,” he said.
He said this at the Thanksgiving Ceremony for Other Religions in conjunction with Sarawak Day 2024 celebration at Bintulu Civic Centre here on Saturday.
Towards this end he said Sarawak is well known for its unique society which is very friendly regardless of race and religion.
“This is evidenced by the success of the Thanksgiving Ceremony which was held with the full and lively participation of various religions and races in our beloved Sarawak.
“On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our ancestors, who have passed down a culture and spirit of racial unity to our generation.
“The practice of living harmoniously with people of different races is not new but has been nurtured by our forebears for generations,” he said.
He added that the peaceful way of life Sarawakians have now should be carried forward by future generations to ensure that the turmoil experienced in other countries never occurs in Sarawak.
“Meanwhile, the visionary leadership coupled with multi-racial harmonious society are one of the key strong pillars contributing to nation-building.
“Our society resembles a set of beautiful jigsaw puzzle. As a region comprising about 27 ethnic groups, it is always of utmost importance for us to pursue unity and solidarity, for without both, the jigsaw puzzle will never be complete, and without unity and solidarity, Sarawak will never progress and move forward from 61 years ago to what we see and enjoy today,” Dr Sim said.
Earlier, a prayer session led by Roman Catholic Archbishop Dr Simon Poh took place, followed by a thanksgiving ceremony by various religions including Baha’i, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Taoism.
The event, organised by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), was further enlivened by the presence of representatives from places of worship as well as community leaders from around Bintulu.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
