KUCHING: Sarawak is a great example of a unity state where its people of all backgrounds could celebrate festivities together in a peaceful manner.
This unity and harmony can be seen during the Anglican Christmas open house hosted by the St Thomas’ Cathedral at its parish hall here, today (Dec 26).
Up to 600 guests from all faiths attended the open house, including Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, and heads of different religions.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
Abang Johari said Sarawakians have a high degree of tolerance among different faiths and it is important to sustain this harmony.
He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example that has taught the nation on the importance of tolerance.
“When you have a patient in front of you, you don’t think of his or her background. You don’t think of his or her faith. Whether the patient is a Christian, whether the doctor is a Muslim or other faiths, your prime objective is to make sure the patient survives,” he said.
He also said Sarawak’s union and diversity is evident as there is sharing of parking facilities between the churches and mosques for congregants.
Meanwhile, Bishop of Kuching, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute also conveyed his appreciation to the Premier for being an exemplary leader by supporting and providing funds to assist the churches and chapels in the state.
“We want to thank the Premier and the state government for the assistance where many churches and chapels as well as schools that are in dilapidated state received the much-needed support or else they will not be able to enjoy the present environment,” he said.
During the occasion, Abang Johari presented mock cheques to five charitable bodies amounting to RM10,000 each.
The organisations were Sarawak Society for the Blind, Sarawak Cheshire Home, Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN), Kuching Autistic Association and Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching.
Also attending the open house were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
