Hidayah members hold dialogue session with temple committee
This is part of our harmony visit aimed to create closer rapport with other religious bodies in Sibu so that we can understand other religions and their teaching.
Nasyitah Abdullah @ Ting Ngiik Kiew
SIBU: Members of Hidayah Centre Foundation Sibu paid a visit to Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple Charitable Trust committee yesterday for a dialogue session.
Hidayah Centre Foundation Sibu advisor Nasyitah Abdullah @ Ting Ngiik Kiew said this was the first time they visited the temple for a dialogue session.
“This is part of our harmony visit aimed to create closer rapport with other religious bodies in Sibu so that we can understand other religions and their teaching.
“By doing so, we can avoid misunderstanding and have tolerance with one another,” she told the press yesterday.
She said Sarawak, and Sibu specifically, comprised people of various races and religions, so it’s important that everyone understand one another.
According to her, part of the centre’s mission was to create an understanding about Islam especially among new converts to prevent any misunderstanding about the religion.
“We guide them (new converts) so that they understand what Islam is all about.
“For example, we tell them that if one is a Chinese, one will remain a Chinese although is a convert.
“You do not become a Malay when you convert to Islam. We are still Chinese, just that we have different faith that’s all,” she said.
The members will visit Sacred Heart Cathedral today.
Meanwhile, chairman of Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple Charitable Trust (Board of Administrative Committees) Soo Choon Hoo said this was the first time he received a courtesy call from the centre.
He said it was a good start to have a better understanding of one another.
Hidayah Centre Foundation executive Mohamad Zuana Mustapha, volunteer Abdullah Rabbani, the temple’s vice treasurer Kong Sien Chieh and committee member Terrence Chen were also present at the event.