(From second left) Dr Sim and Drubpon offering prayers at Sibu’s Yu Lung Tian En Si temple in conjunction with Hungry Ghost Festival.
Sarawak’s inclusiveness across races and religions has been a cornerstone of its progress, says Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“Here, we enjoy racial and religious harmony,” he said during a prayer session at Yu Lung Tian En Si temple in Sibu in conjunction with Hungry Ghost Festival.
Dr Sim highlighted that since 2016, Sarawak government had allocated RM582mil for the construction and repair of churches and temples, with about RM90mil set aside each year to benefit all communities.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said teachings of compassion and kindness across religions were especially relevant in an age shaped by digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).
“In the future through AI, a Lama’s likeness, voice and image can appear here in Sarawak.
“But what matters most is not only understanding the teachings, but truly practising them, and adapting them to the realities of the modern age.”
Dr Sim also cautioned that climate change was a pressing challenge, citing melting glaciers in Nepal and unusual weather patterns in Sarawak.
He urged communities to adapt their cultural and religious practices to help safeguard the environment.
Calling such natural disasters human-made, he said: “This is why we must learn to adapt our cultural and religious practices to support environmental sustainability, so that humankind can continue to survive on this planet.”
Dr Sim also extended his appreciation to the Taoist community, noting that prayers for peace and prosperity were vital for Sarawak’s future.
The prayer session was conducted by Nepali monk Drubpon Sherah Rinpochear.
Also present were Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang and Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting.
