KUCHING: Sarawakians of different faiths are urged to strive even more to maintain the peace and harmony in the state.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, it is critical to maintain the current state of peace and harmony among the people so that everyone may work together to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Sarawak.
“Wesak is a time for all Buddhists to reflect on the fundamental values of tolerance, compassion and service to humanity that are embodied in Buddha’s life and teachings.
“It is also reflected in this year theme of Promote Harmony Through Mutual Respect and Helping Each Other.
“This principle is emphasised in Sarawak, where the government established the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) under the Premier’s Department in 2017 to manage the needs of other religions in Sarawak,” he said at the Kuil Utama Sarawak, Buddhist Association in Jalan Wan Alwi here, today.
UNIFOR, he noted, demonstrated the state government’s inclusive stance, emphasising the need to continue to foster and develop Sarawak’s peace and harmony.
“It is also a key enabler in Sarawak becoming a developed state by 2030 as well as a strong and inclusive state,” he stressed.
In this regard, Dr Sim hoped that more collaborative religious activities would bring people closer together and allow them to live in peace and harmony under one roof.
“Although still being in the endemic stage of COVID-19, I am happy that we can spend Wesak Day in a more calm setting this year.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their understanding over the past two years, during which the government has had to apply various limitations not only on Wesak Day but also on other religious festivals.
“We are able to contain the further spread of the virus due to your continued support and understanding — this is genuinely Sarawakians’ spirit of solidarity,” he pointed out.
Dr Sim was also spotted performing the process of bathing the Buddha statue at the event.
Also present was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
