Abang Jo: Sarawakians proud of our unity in diversity

KUCHING: The spirit of unity in diversity is well exemplified in Sarawak with people of various religious and racial backgrounds living in harmony and honouring each other, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“This is a manifestation of the deep respect for the beliefs, customs and traditions among all Sarawakians,” he said in his Christmas message yesterday.

Abang Johari said in keeping with Sarawak’s social inclusiveness, one of the most noble aims of the state government was to ensure that places of worship were properly maintained.

“Previously, some, especially churches and chapels, used to be in a sorry state. That is why, as a caring government, we set up Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) to ensure that people of faiths other than Islam have a comfortable place to pray and worship,” he said.

Likewise, Abang Johari said there were non-Muslim leaders who reciprocated when Muslims were a minority in a particular area.

“This is particularly exemplified by the gracious gesture of the elected representative for Belaga (Datuk Liwan Lagang) who has been most kind to assist the Muslim community build a mosque at the upriver town.

“This is our way and our brand of unity in Sarawak which may not be found in other places,” he said.

He said Unifor was formed not only to provide funds but also to foster unity and nurture understanding among people of various beliefs and races in Sarawak, among the non-Muslim community in particular, he added.

The Premier also shared his hopes for the future of the state.

“I have just presented a record RM12.36bil state budget for 2024. It goes without saying that we can only set aside such a huge sum because the state’s economic performance is good as indicated by its expanding GDP.

“Under the PCDS (Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030, our GDP is expected to grow from RM140bil to RM282bil.

“Based on the catalytic programmes and diversification of the state economy, I am confident that the target can be achieved,” he added.

IN KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor urged Sabahans to celebrate the festive period in unity.

He said Sabahans should always uphold diversity and all faiths, regardless of their religious beliefs and backgrounds, adding that this was in line with the state government’s commitment to ensure unity, racial harmony and religious tolerance remained strong.

“Playing up religious and racial sentiments only serve to jeopardise the harmony and tolerance that we have enjoyed,” he said in his Christmas message.

“In the spirit of Christmas, let us all take a moment to reflect on the similarities that bind us together and to remain focused on strengthening these values.”