Harmony in Sarawak a way of life, not a slogan, says minister

MIRI (Jan 4): Harmony in Sarawak is not just a slogan, as it is something genuinely practised in everyday life.

In pointing this out, State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said as an example, houses of worship of different religions stood side by side without any sense of threat.

“Church, mosque, and temple leaders often sit at the same table, discussing and working together for the good of the people.

“The communities help one another when organising festive celebrations, and community programmes are carried out across religious and cultural lines.

“This is the reality of life for the people of Sarawak – living together, not separately,” he said at a ‘Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026’ celebration in Kampung Muhibbah Kuala Baram Community Hall on Saturday.

The event was jointly organised by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT) of Kampung Muhibbah Kuala Baram.

The Senadin assemblyman added that the Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), continued to strengthen interfaith relations by supporting houses of worship of various religions, community welfare initiatives, and community development programmes.

“Through support for houses of worship of various religions, community welfare initiatives and community development programmes, Unifor not only provides physical assistance, but also strengthens trust, mutual understanding and cooperation among communities of different faiths.

“This proves that in Sarawak, religion is not politicised.

“Instead, it is respected, celebrated, and used as a bridge to unite society.

“Thus, we should continue safeguarding the spirit of tolerance, unity and goodwill that has long been the foundation of community relations.”

He added that Sarawakians should be grateful for their maturity, moderation, and mutual respect for one another.

“This is Sarawak’s identity and strength.

“We reject extremism and the politics of hatred, and such narrow-minded thinking cannot seep in and undermine the harmony that is enjoyed by Sarawak,” he said.