National Unity Ministry launches state-level’s interfaith bike ride in Miri

MIRI (Aug 3): The ‘Jejak Harmoni’ programme by the National Unity Ministry gathered some 150 people of all races and religions where they took part in an interfaith bicycle ride at various houses of worship here today.

The nationwide initiative to promote and strengthen inter-faith camaraderie was launched by the ministry’s senior secretary (Management) Norihan Mohamed, who represented Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.

The cyclists who had gathered as early as 7am were flagged off from Some Shak Lung Kung Temple in Krokop, before they headed towards the Parish of Good Shepherd Church and Masjid An-Naim in Lutong.

According to Norihan, the programme was one of the flagships programmes by the ministry under the Madani Harmony Initiative, aimed at strengthening harmony among Malaysia’s diverse communities.

“The implementation of the initiative highlights the fundamental concept of national integration which is understanding, respect, and acceptance.

“Not only does it help enhance the understanding of religious, cultural and customary diversity, it also promotes the practice of spreading messages of harmony and goodwill among followers of various religions in the country,” she said.

The initiative, she added, had started in February and would be continued until November this year at both the national and state levels.

“Among the programmes are the World Interfaith Harmony Week; Bicara Harmoni podcast on interfaith dialogue; Iftar Madani; Jejak Harmoni documentary, World Tolerance Day; and a discourse on fostering unity among followers of various religions.

The government, she said, plays a crucial role in formulating appropriate policies to ensure that the unity of Malaysian society remains at a controlled level.

“More importantly is that the efforts driven by the government are well-received by all layers of society, thereby collectively contributing to the realisation of the established unity agenda.

“Without the support and commitment from all of us, it is certain that the government’s policies and agenda cannot be fully achieved,” said Norihan.

The event was also attended by deputy director-general (Strategic Planning) of the Department of National Unity and Integration Mohd Fardhi Ahmad; National Unity and Integration Department state director Dirwana Azool; National Archives Malaysia Sarawak director Afham Jauhari Aldi; and Deputy Miri police chief Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol.

Also present were a representative from Some Shak Lung Kung Temple, Danny Wee Tze Siang; Pastor Siaw Ming Ching of Life Methodist Church; Reverend Pilu Gumba of The Parish of Good Shepherd Church; and a representative of Masjid An-Naim, Saini Mamut.