Interfaith prayers held to mark Kuching City’s 36th anniversary

Group photo of participants and guests with Wee (centre, in Boy Scout uniform) after the prayer recital held in the MBKS auditorium on Aug 1, 2024.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, August 1: Six religious associations gathered for a historic inaugural prayer recital to mark Kuching City 36th Anniversary Celebration at Kuching City South Council (MBKS) Auditorium.

The six associations represented the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Taoist religious faiths.

In his speech, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng described the theme ” Praying for a Better Kuching’ as aspirational and profound.

Wee said the various communities’ participation is a testament to Sarawak’s collective commitment to fostering harmony and understanding among diverse faiths.

“It reflects our shared vision for a city where progress and peace go hand in hand,” he said.

Wee reiterated that Kuching has seen significant growth and development with new challenges and opportunities for improvement.

“As we come together to pray for our city, we envision a future where Kuching will continue to flourish as a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community.”

He sought divine guidance to enhance quality of life, ensure equitable opportunities for all, and build a city where harmony prevails and every individual valued.

“Our prayers extend to all facets of our community, including those (facing) difficulties or marginalisation. We ask for wisdom and strength to address these challenges with compassion and justice, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a better Kuching.”

Group photo of participants and guests with Wee (centre, in Boy Scout uniform) after the prayer recital held in the MBKS auditorium on Aug 1, 2024.

Wee acknowledged the crucial role of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) in making this event a reality.

He asserted that Unifor’s dedication to fostering interfaith dialogue and unity among Sarawak’s diverse religious communities has been invaluable.

“We express our deepest gratitude to UNIFOR for their support, which strengthens community bonds and sets a positive precedent for future initiatives.

He added the event provided a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared values.

“Despite our different traditions and practices, we are united in our quest for a better world. Our diverse faiths teach us the values of compassion, empathy, and justice, and they remind us of our collective responsibility to one another.

” Let us carry forward the values of this historic gathering, working together to build understanding and address challenges with unity. By doing so, we honour this event and contribute to a better Kuching,” he said.

MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Kuching Festival 2024 Committee organising chairman Cr Mok Chuang Ping, Tahereh Bidanjiri from the Bahai community, Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammika from Malaysian Buddhist Association, Monsignor William Sabang from the Christian community, Gurkal Nagendrasarma Suthaharan from Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching, and Danny Ho from the Federation of Sarawak Temple Association were also in attendance. — DayakDaily