S’wak committed to preserving religious harmony
KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to safeguard religious harmony and tolerance among various faiths in the state, says Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the state was committed to preserving harmony through its Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“I am very happy that our late chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem had the vision to start this unit and now, after the general election, a number of states have started talking about the need to have it.
“In Sarawak, Unifor will help resolve issues related to religion. We want to make sure that all religions in Sarawak respect and celebrate (festivals) together,” he said at a Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association here.
The formation of Unifor was announced by Adenan in the state assembly in 2016 and it was set up last year.
Dr Sim also said the presence of representatives from other faiths, including Unifor director Datuk Dr Ngenang Manchu, at the celebration was an example of Sarawak’s harmony.
He added that the Wesak Day theme – “Harmonious Society Through Tolerance and Understanding” – was appropriate with Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society.
Organising chairman Datuk Tay Chin Kin called on Malaysians to take the initiative to be friends with those of other faiths.
“We must have mutual respect and understanding for each other as this will help create a harmonious society,” he said.