Pride of Kuching: The Unifor Complex is a symbol of Sarawak’s unity in diversity. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) Complex, which stands prominently at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here, is not only a new landmark but a symbol of Sarawak’s unity in diversity, say religious leaders.
Although the building is not yet operational, it embodies the spirit of harmony and mutual respect among the various faiths in the state.
“The Unifor Complex is a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to multireligious and multicultural harmony, unity and understanding,” Anglican Bishop of Kuching Datuk Danald Jute said.
He said the complex would facilitate more interfaith activities and interactions, leading to better understanding, acceptance and respect.
“In this way, we can build bridges together between communities as we promote cooperation on common goals,” he said.
The RM73mil Unifor Complex was completed in October last year when the occupation permit was handed over to the Unifor Charitable Trust’s board of trustees.
It comprises a nine-storey office tower with a rooftop green space, convention facilities and commercial spaces.
Office renovation works are ongoing and the complex is expected to open by the third quarter of this year, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said.
He said both Unifor – a government agency under the Sarawak Premier’s Department – and the Unifor Charitable Trust, which owns the complex, would have offices in the new building.
Unifor was set up in 2017 by the Sarawak government to provide financial assistance to non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools in the state.
The Unifor Charitable Trust is a separate entity which carries out activities for the well-being of non-Muslim communities in the state.
Both Danald and Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh pointed to the Unifor Complex’s emblem, incorporating the various non-Muslim religious symbols, as a reflection of Sarawak’s unity and harmony.
“This is a concrete sign that we are not just willing to come alongside each other, but to walk and work together with a great deal of respect for one another,” Danald said.
For Poh, the complex would not only strengthen racial unity and religious harmony but help to serve other charitable organisations along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, like the Sarawak Cheshire Home, Sarawak Society for the Blind, Perkata Special School, a community-based rehabilitation centre and senior citizens’ service centre.
“I envisage the Unifor Complex will provide a venue and opportunity for religious leaders to meet.
“This is also a good opportunity to invite spiritual leaders to contribute directly to the charitable organisations nearby.
“My sincere desire is that the new Unifor Complex will inspire volunteers from respective faiths to serve those who are differently-abled,” he said.
Poh also said Unifor’s funding for non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools contributed to character formation and nation-building.
“What is built is not just buildings but the formation of conscience, morality and values that will eventually bring about greater harmony,” he said.
Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira welcomed the complex as a landmark symbolising the unity of the different races and religions in Sarawak.
“The building is something we all look forward to. Unifor has been helping all the non-Muslim religions in the state and we are very thankful for that.
“We are hopeful that all the non-Muslim faiths will have a place where they can go to and be associated with the building,” he said.
Dr Kalwinder also said the complex was a concrete reminder to Sarawakians to work hard to maintain unity.
“We have always been a multiracial and multireligious society, so you’ll find people of different religions living together in Sarawak.
“But to all Sarawakians and Malaysians, we have to work at it.
“Going into the future, we also have to educate the younger generation on the importance of unity,” he said.
