KUCHING: The Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening harmony and unity among followers of various religions, in line with efforts to make this state the best example of a plural society living in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, stressed the importance of unity and education as the foundation of community progress.

According to him, the Bahá’í teachings which emphasise the unity of humanity and the importance of education are in line with the Sarawak Government’s aspirations in building an inclusive, knowledgeable and highly moral society.

“The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh that we are all ‘fruits of one tree and leaves of one branch’ are very touching because it reminds us that the progress of one cannot be separated from the wellbeing of all,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sarawak Bahá’í Community Twin Holy Days Celebration held here, Wednesday.

The event was organised by the Sarawak Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly in collaboration with the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to celebrate the birth anniversary of two central figures of the Bahá’í faith, namely The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

Meanwhile, he also praised the role of the Sarawak Bahá’í community, which is now estimated to number over 50,000 people, in strengthening the spirit of unity and community service since its presence in Sarawak in 1951.

Datuk Amar Dr. Sim stressed that the Sarawak Government, through UNIFOR, would continue to ensure that all religious communities in the state receive the space, support and recognition they deserve.

“Through UNIFOR, the government ensures that every religious community can live peacefully and work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding,” he added.

He also described the value of education emphasised in the Bahá’í teachings as humans being like a mine rich with precious gems that can only be polished through education, which is in line with the state government’s efforts to expand access to education, including towards free higher education at state-owned universities.

Also present were UNIFOR Director, Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Chairman of the Sarawak Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, Dr. Shehab Phung Chee Wei and other guests of honour. -UKASnews

Reporter: Eisner Nala
Translator: Nerissa Sia
Photographer: Gabriel Rommy