‘We live as one big family’: Premier says Sarawak embodies Agong’s vision of unity

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 13: Sarawak continues to embody the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s vision of a united and harmonious Malaysia, with its people living not merely in tolerance but as “one big family” despite differences in race, religion and culture.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the aspirations of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, for national unity are deeply reflected in Sarawak, a State long recognised for celebrating diversity while upholding mutual respect among people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

“In Sarawak, we do not merely live in an atmosphere of tolerance, but truly as one big family.

“Houses of worship are built side by side, festive celebrations are shared, and the spirit of mutual respect continues to form the foundation of our society,” he said.

Abang Johari’s speech text was delivered by Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai during the interfaith thanksgiving ceremony held in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Dewan Panglima Rentap in Betong today. The event was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on YouTube.

The Premier also said His Majesty has consistently emphasised the importance of safeguarding national unity and ensuring sensitive issues involving race, religion and royalty (3R) are not manipulated for narrow interests that could threaten the country’s harmony.

He noted that the King has envisioned a Malaysia where people live as one large family, guided by the principles of inclusivity and the Rukun Negara, while respecting one another regardless of their backgrounds.

“His Majesty often reminds us that when we stand on the international stage, our primary identity is first and foremost as Malaysians,” he said.

Abang Johari further described gatherings such as the interfaith thanksgiving ceremony as more than official functions, saying they symbolise Sarawak’s strength as a model of unity for the nation.

“Gatherings like this morning are not merely official events, but symbolize the true strength of Sarawak as a model of unity for the nation — a society living in peace and harmony despite differing backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs,” he added.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to ensuring all religions are treated fairly and equitably, citing the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) as a reflection of that commitment.

He noted that the State government has approved RM120 million this year under the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) to support non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools across Sarawak.

Of the total amount, RM90 million has been allocated for the construction, upgrading and maintenance of non-Muslim houses of worship, while RM30 million will go towards strengthening educational facilities and programmes at mission schools.

According to him, the allocation includes special provisions for the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives in line with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Earlier, the thanksgiving ceremony began with an opening prayer by Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute, followed by a Bahá’í prayer led by Puan Tahereh Bidanjiri, a Buddhist prayer by Venerable Wu Gi, a Hindu prayer by Krishnarao Subramaniam @ Kripa Prabhu, a Christian prayer by Rev Canon Rentap Nuang, a Sikh prayer by Gurdial Singh Sahote, and a Taoist prayer by Goh Kaw Sze.

Also present were John Sikie’s wife Datin Sri Melia Gelen; Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and wife Datin Dorothy Sylvester Pungga; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II Datuk Snowdan Lawan and wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking; Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee; as well as Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and husband Peter Bryan Morison. — DayakDaily

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