S'wak politicians, including Muslim minister, send Holy Week greetings

MIRI: Sarawak politicians, including a Muslim minister, extended their wishes and prayers to all Christians who are celebrating Holy Week – the most sacred week in the Christian calender.

Holy Week started with Holy Thursday, continues with Good Friday which marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and extends to Easter Vigil on Saturday before culminating with Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Christ.

Today, as Christians gather in churches for Good Friday masses and prayer services, politicians in Sarawak are sending their greetings.

In a reflection of the multiracial and multireligious spirit of Sarawak, Muslim Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah issued her best wishes to all Christians.

Fatimah, who is State Minister for Welfare, Women and Community Development, said she and the other state ministers prayed with all Christians for peace and love to prevail among all peoples.

"To all our Christian colleagues, friends, brothers and sisters, I wish you a blessed Good Friday and a holy Easter.

"I pray that this week of holy Christian celebrations will be a spiritual and restful experience for all Christians," she said.

Fatimah sent her greetings via the social media.

Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting extended his wishes too.

"On my own behalf and for the party, we pray that this most holy week for Christians will foster greater love and peace among Christians and with people of all faiths.

"Good Friday is a celebration of love, forgiveness and mercy as reflected by the crucifixion of Christ. Easter Sunday will be a celebration of hope and salvation.

"We Christians want to share these joy with everyone.

"In Sarawak, we are truly grateful that people of all faiths and races can celebrate their religious beliefs and ethnic practices together.

"Everyone is free to openly practise their traditions without any hindrance.

"We thank God for such harmony and unity in Sarawak," said Ting, who is state assemblyman for Piasau.

In Miri, Catholic Diocese Bishop Richard Ng led 80,000 Catholics in a series of sacred celebrations.