KUCHING: The Sarawak government emphasises the importance of moderation in administering the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is reflected in the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“In the PCDS 2030, there are three important strategic pillars namely Economic Prosperity, Social Inclusivity and Environmental Sustainability.
“When Sarawak has the revenue, we share it by helping the non-Muslims, mission schools through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), and this is about having social inclusivity,” he said.
He said this during the Malaysia Interfaith Harmony Week Forum 2023 organised by the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) which was held at the Pullman Hotel here on today (Feb 20).
Abang Johari also said it is important to protect the earth from global warming as mankind needs to survive on this planet.
“Therefore, PCDS 2030 is a philosophical approach of the Sarawak government where moderation is the key and we balance our lifestyle,” he said.
The Premier stressed that moderation is the basis of a harmonious state which consists of multi-racial society.
Meanwhile, UNIFOR director Datuk Jack Aman Luat said the forum was held in conjunction with the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week as well as the 60th anniversary celebration of Sarawak’s Independence.
“With this year’s theme, ‘Love of God, Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbour’ aims to promote the value of respect, appreciation and acceptance in religious and cultural diversity through dialogues, education and public awareness.
“These platforms will provide sharing experiences, knowledge and good practices to promote harmonious relationships between us and within our community,” he said.
Meanwhile, the seven panelists shared messages of goodwill, acceptance of religions and cultural diversity.
The panelists were Regional Coordinating Team of Malaysia and Indonesia at the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity member and a Baha’i inspired think-tank that contributes to prevalent discourses in society, Wua Ming Hui representing Baha’i religion; Venerable Sing Kan, Abbess of Sam Poh Thong Buddhist Temple and president of Malaysian Buddhist Bhikkuni Association (Buddhism); Archbishop Simon Poh of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching and chairman of Association of Churches Sarawak (Christianity); Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sarawak Council secretary Dr Balachandran Annamalai (Hinduism); head of Kuching Divisional Islamic Affairs at Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Suharman Edward (Islam); Malaysian Gurdwaras Council treasurer Dr Harwindar Singh (Sikh); and head of Arts, Culture and Heritage Section at Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern (Taoism).
