Tun Wan Junaidi a symbol of unity, says Premier

KUCHING: The Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is a symbol of unity for Sarawak’s diverse, multi-racial, and multi-religious people.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg acknowledged that Wan Junaidi, who previously served as the Law Minister, has been a steadfast defender of Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Since Sarawak gained greater financial autonomy through income from the State Sales Tax (SST), Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has been able to implement numerous projects worth billions of ringgit, benefitting the people.

He said this includes the funding of various houses of worship, such as Christian churches, and temples for devotees of Buddhism, Taoism, Baha’ism, Sikhism, and Hinduism across Sarawak.

“And as the Premier of Sarawak, I can assure you that our Sarawak government will continue to be generous in providing the necessary funding for our houses of worship through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).

A moment of peace as attendees engage in a collective prayer recital according to their beliefs. Photo: UKAS

“As a Muslim, I believe in the basic principle whereby, the more we give, the more we will be blessed by the Almighty, which I believe is also found in all our religious beliefs,” he said.

His speech was read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Thanksgiving Ceremony for Other Religions in conjunction with the 78th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak at Riverside Majestic Hotel last night (Oct 11).

During the event, Abang Johari praised the organisation of the thanksgiving ceremony, noting its relevance and significance to the multi-racial communities in Sarawak.

The ceremony brought together representatives from six different religions to offer their thanksgiving prayers in their respective beliefs to honour Wan Junaidi on his birthday.

The opening prayer was recited by Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Dr Simon Poh, followed by a Buddhist prayer themed ‘Tuan Yang Terutama Tun’s Well-Being,’ delivered by Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammika.

Next, Tahereh Bidanjiri recited a Baha’i prayer focused on ‘Sarawak’s Unity & Social Inclusivity,’ followed by a Hindu prayer by Nethushini Suthaharan with the theme ‘Sarawak’s Peace & Political Stability.’

Nigel Bong then recited the Taoist prayer, themed ‘Sarawak’s Economic Prosperity,’ which was followed by a Christian prayer by The Very Reverend Kho Thong Meng on ‘Sarawak & National Leaders.’

The ceremony also featured a Sikh prayer by Gurdial Singh, focused on ‘Sarawak’s Younger Generations & Family Institutions.’

Abang Johari then called upon the heads of various religions to continue their crucial role in nation-building in conveying the message of unity, peace and tolerance to their respective devotees to accommodate diversity and emphasise pluralism.

He urged the people to work together to elevate Sarawak to greater heights, ensuring prosperity for all, regardless of race or religion.

“Let us pray and hope for continued peace and harmony, while spreading religious tolerance among the people.

“Unity is one of the pillars of strength to develop a region like Sarawak and therefore everyone from all races must work hand in hand to ensure a progressive Sarawak.

“Without unity, a country or region cannot truly progress or develop further,” he added.