Don’t take unity for granted — Dr Sim
KUCHING: Sarawakians must not take the unity they enjoy now for granted.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian gave this reminder when speaking at the Wesak Day celebration at the Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak branch premises here yesterday.
“Nowadays, there are a lot of extremists disguised as religious people. In Sarawak, we are very fortunate and we should never take our unity for granted,” he said.
“Here in Sarawak especially in Kuching, the City of Unity, we must safeguard our harmony. It only will take one or two extremists to ruin our peace,” he pointed out.
Dr Sim stated Sarawak is blessed that its people of various religious backgrounds not only live in harmony and respect one another but celebrate all the
Nowadays, there a lot of extremists disguised as religious people. In Sarawak, we are very fortunate and we should never take our unity for granted.
religious celebrations together.
The establishment of the NonIslamic Affairs Unit showed that the state government was committed to matters of religion, he added.
“Sarawak government will continue to make sure the way of life for all religions continue to be preserved and strengthened,” he stressed.
Earlier, Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak branch chairman Datuk Tay Chin Kin said given the multi-racial and multi-religious background of Malaysia, everyone must treat each other with mutual respect.
“We must jointly oppose extremist ideas, to work together in establishing harmonious society and to maintain peace in the country.”
Tay also called on all Buddhist organisations to work closely towards the mutual goal of enlightening the community on Buddhism.
He said: “Let’s do our best to follow teachings of Buddha and have pure hearts to help create a peaceful country.”
Organised by Malaysia Buddhist Association Sarawak, the event was attended by representatives from Christian, Hindu and Sikh organisations as well as Islamic Information Centre.
Others present included Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Padawan Municipal Council chairman.
Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Local Government and Housing Minister