KUCHING: The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of the people of the state, regardless of race or religion.

PBB President and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, highlighted that other religions in Sarawak continue to receive support through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), including the construction of a complex worth RM70 million for the unit.

"When other religions in Sarawak worship, they are also praying for the prosperity of all of us," he said.

He made these remarks during his speech at the opening of the 16th PBB General Assembly at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday.

In addition, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari emphasised that fostering human relationships is key, particularly in collaboration with the other component parties within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

"Our human relations must be maintained. As Deputy Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said, 'You Never Walk Alone'.

"PBB is not alone; PBB works alongside the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). 'We are not alone', and because of this, we have mutual understanding.

"As long as we don't 'trip' on one another, we will continue to work together with this spirit for the future of Sarawak," he said.

Meanwhile, he stated that guidelines for Muslims in Sarawak regarding the celebration of other religious festivals are not suitable for the state's multicultural society.

He explained that while a person’s relationship with God is personal, Islam also encourages the maintenance of harmonious relationships with people of other faiths.

"The Quran mentions 'Habluminallah', which refers to our relationship with God; this is a matter between you and God.

"At the same time, Islam urges us to extend understanding and goodwill towards our fellow humans, 'Habluminannas'," he added.

Among those present were PBB Sarawak Deputy Presidents, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) President, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) President, Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) President, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, PBB Sarawak Senior Vice Presidents, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, PBB Sarawak Permanent Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nasar, PBB Sarawak Secretary-General, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, PBB Women’s Wing Leader, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, PBB Youth Wing Leader, Datuk Martin Ben, as well as other delegates. -UKASnews