KUCHING: Sarawakians are reminded to cherish the peace and harmony prevailing in the state and not take it for granted.
In his Christmas message, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud stressed the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices of forefathers, asserting that the present peace and harmony were built on their solid foundation.
“We must continue to remember their sacrifices, lest we become complacent and take the present peace and harmony for granted. If that happens, it would be a great tragedy for us, as it will rob our next generation of their future.
“Money and wealth can be acquired easily, but peace and harmony are attained through acceptance and respect for one another. This, our greatest asset, must be treasured, maintained, and upheld at all times,” he said.
He said the peace and unity observed in Sarawak has become a role model for the whole country, noting that such harmony is achievable only through mutual respect and understanding.
“Christians in Sarawak have been able to celebrate Christmas with their non-Christian friends, relatives and family members of different religions. This tradition of visiting one another is very unique in Sarawak, for which we have become a role model for the whole country.
“What makes Sarawak so unique and special is that we have been able to celebrate all the major festivals and celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Wesak Day and Gawai Dayak with great joy and merriment knowing that we are celebrating these festivals and celebrations against a backdrop of genuine understanding and respect for one another.
“This is indeed our true Sarawak essence of peace and harmony that we must uphold,” he said.
He also noted that the presence of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) exclusively in Sarawak is proof that the needs of non-Muslims are well looked after.
With the setting up of UNIFOR, he said, the Sarawak government has been able to channel financial assistance to Christians to build their churches throughout Sarawak.
Other religions such as the Buddhists, the Hindus and the Bahais also get their fair share of financial assistance.
“For this great initiative, I would like to personally commend the leadership of the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for continuously allocating millions of ringgits for this noble cause annually,” he added.
