Other Religious Thanksgiving is a symbol of Sarawak's harmony

KUCHING, Oct 10: Other Religious Thanksgiving Meeting on the occasion of 80th Birthday Celebration of Sarawak State Elder, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, reflects the harmony and unity of multi-religious communities in the state.

Tun Wan Junaidi along with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, agreed to attend a ceremony held at the Building Unit for Other Religious Affairs (UNIFOR), here tonight.

The couple's arrival at 8pm was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represents the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with his wife, Dato Doreen Mayang.

Following the arrival of the couple were Deputy Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Director UNIFOR, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, line ministers as well as def-names.

The ceremony began with the singing of Sarawak's state anthem, Mother Pertiwiku, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving by representatives of various religions including Christianity, Bahá'í, Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist and Sikh, as a symbol of the harmony and unity of multi-religious communities in Sarawak.

The event was continued with the presentation of a special mandate by Sarawak's Premier, Brother Johari, whose text was read by Douglas Uggah.

He said that the presence of communities from various religions including Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Baha'iism reflected a spirit of piety when they gathered together to offer prayers and tributes to the couple.

"Although we pray differently, our traditions are different and the languages used are also different, we share the hope that Tun Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan will continue to be blessed with health, peace, happiness and well-being", he said.

He said that the unity exhibited by the multi-religious community at the ceremony was among the most meaningful gifts from the people to the Chief Minister.

The summit saw Tun Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan complete the cake cutting ceremony for the 80th Birthday celebration, accompanied by Deputy Prime Ministers of Sarawak, a line of ministers and religious leaders.

The ceremony was followed by a dinner and special cultural presentation highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of the multi-racial and religious community, thus reflecting the harmony that is the power of Sarawak. -TVS