Facility stands where multiracial Sarawakians co-exist, says Taib
KUCHING: The building of the new floating mosque, Masjid India Bandar Kuching, is seen as an effort by the Indian Muslim community and the state government to nurture peace and harmony among multiracial Sarawakians.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said while the Muslim community is proud of the mosque, they, too, are proud of the fact that they are part of a bigger community called Sarawakians who possess a culture of respect for one another.
“The Sarawak culture is such that it is common for its people of different races to mix together, and this unique culture of ours must be preserved,” he said during the launch of the floating mosque across Kuching Waterfront here last night.
Taib thanked the Indian Muslim community for their close ties with the other races and hoped that this tradition can be passed down to the generations to come.
“The mosque is situated where you can find the Malays, Chinese, Dayaks, and the Indian community working together and for that it will definitely further strengthen the multicultural society of Sarawak.”
He called upon the Muslim community to pray at the mosque and ensure it is well-looked after.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the construction of the mosque was Taib’s idea of getting the state government to upgrade the city’s facilities.
He said the design and building of the mosque was part of that effort.
He added that few among the younger generation know that Masjid India, the old mosque at Jalan India/Jalan Gambier, had started from a small shade where the Indian Muslim community come to do business and pray, and has been there for 186 years.
“That is why we cannot deny the contribution of Masjid India in the development of commerce in the state, including in the tourism sector.”
He said the fact that the new mosque is beautifully constructed and sits on the city’s heritage site should not only draw many Muslims to pray there but also tourists to come and admire its splendour as well.
“My wish is we all pray that our Land of the Hornbill and Malaysia will continue to be one despite our differences.
“To all Sarawakians, let us all come forward to build a prosperous Sarawak,” the chief minister added.
The arrival of the faithful to worship in Kuching’s new landmark – Masjid India Bandar Kuching, the floating mosque.
