Onus on all Sarawakians to uphold racial, religious harmony — Assistant minister
MIRI: Sarawak is not only the model state for racial unity, but it is also one that upholds religious harmony.
As such, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin reminds all on the need to continue safeguarding this uniqueness.
“No matter how rich you are, these are two things that you cannot buy – racial unity and religious harmony.
“Therefore, it is upon us all to protect, preserve and further enhance such uniqueness at all cost, from being jeopardised by various threats,” he spoke at the opening of the Hwa Kwan Temple new block at Taman Tunku here yesterday.
Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, also reiterated this city as the place that signify strong religious harmony.
“We already have Masjid AnNaim and the Good Shepherd Church standing next to each other in Lutong Bazaar; now, we have Hwa Kwan Temple standing opposite the Hindu Sri Kamini Thurga Iswari Amman Alayam Temple in Taman Tunku.
“This is something that we must always appreciate and protect.”
Adding on, Lee said the state government has always been giving full support to any religious works and activities being run in the state.
On the Hwa Kwan Temple in Taman Tunku, he said the building was constructed on a piece of land awarded by the state government.
“When it comes to construction of places of worship places in Miri, many YBs (elected representatives) regardless of their religious beliefs would render full support, including financial means, to ensure that every project would be successfully implemented.”
Lee said he was told that Sibuti MP for Sibuti Datuk Ahmad Lai Bujang had given his support to the construction of Hwa Kwan Temple.