KUCHING: The Sikh community has long contributed to the unity and social development in Sarawak, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“I want to convey my appreciation for the contributions given by the Sikh community, especially for the unity we are having today,” said Abang Johari during the ‘Get Together With Sikh Community and Vaisakhi 2019’ at the Kuching Sikh Temple here, yesterday.
The chief minister said Sarawak was unique because of the high degree of tolerance from people of all races and religions.
“Last night (Friday night) I was with the Teochew community. Today I am with you (Sikh community). And we must continue this spirit of togetherness in order for us to unite and move forward together,” he pointed out.
On the setting up of Sarawak Unit For Other Religions (Unifor), Abang Johari said the reason was for the state government to continue in assisting the multi-racial community and at the same time to use it as a platform to unite the people.
“This is the approach for us to continue with what we have (unity) and the community at large is able to benefit from it,” he said.
On the development in the Jalan Masjid area, Abang Johari said the area would be transformed in the next five to 10 years.
“One of the reasons is that we want to make Kuching an environment-friendly city. That is why I introduced the usage of hydrogen buses which are already moving at the Jalan Masjid area now,” he said.
President of Sarawak Sikh Temple Association Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said though the Sikh community is a minority, it is a united community and has played its role in the progress and development of the state.
“As we can see today, we are indeed proud to have with us heads, representatives and members from the various faiths such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Taoists,” he said.
