By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 30: Sarawak is witnessing a glorious era of progress, inclusiveness and shared opportunities under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with people of different faiths moving forward together in the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (walking together in unity).
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching president Dato Shankar Ram Asnani said the Sarawak government’s commitment to respecting and supporting all religious communities reflected a leadership approach that strengthened unity and mutual understanding among the State’s diverse population.
He said the Premier’s inclusive leadership had given practical meaning to the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
“There is a Sanskrit saying, ‘Yathā Rājā, Tathā Prajā’ — as the ruler, so the people. It reminds us that leadership sets the example for society.
“When leaders practise fairness, inclusiveness and respect, these values strengthen the bonds between communities,” he said during the temple’s Maha Kumbhabhishegam (consecration) ceremony at Rock Road today.
Shankar described the current period under Abang Johari’s leadership as a “Zaman Kegemilangan Sarawak”, characterised by development, shared opportunities and respect for every faith.
He said true greatness lay in communities being able to progress together while remaining confident that their respective religious beliefs, traditions and cultural heritage were respected.
He pointed to the Sarawak government’s assistance through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) for the restoration of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple as a tangible example of the State’s commitment to religious inclusiveness.
He expressed appreciation to Abang Johari, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is in charge of Unifor, and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the temple’s patron, for their continued support.
He also thanked Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and her team for helping the association bring the restoration project to completion.
According to Shankar, the government’s assistance had enabled the Indian and Hindu community to preserve an important place of worship and pass its religious traditions on to younger generations.
He stressed that the Indian community remained loyal to Sarawak and committed to contributing towards the state’s peace, harmony and continued progress.
“We, the Indian community, remain loyal to Sarawak and committed to its peace, harmony and progress. The Sarawak government, in turn, has stood by us and shown through its actions that our community and our faith are valued,” he said.
Shankar said the presence of representatives and friends from different religious backgrounds at the consecration ceremony further demonstrated the distinctive spirit of religious harmony in Sarawak.
“Look around us today. Our Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Baha’i and other friends have joined us at this sacred Hindu ceremony. Though our prayers and traditions differ, we stand together in friendship and mutual respect.
“This is the beauty of Sarawak: different faiths, one community, moving forward together in the spirit of Segulai Sejalai,” he said.
Shankar said the harmony enjoyed by Sarawakians was a valuable legacy that must be protected and carried forward by future generations.
He added that the restoration of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple was more than the preservation of a religious building, as it also affirmed the place of the Indian and Hindu community within Sarawak’s wider multicultural society.
He expressed hope that continued cooperation between the government and religious communities would sustain an environment where every community could practise its faith freely and contribute to the State’s development.
Shankar said the temple’s consecration marked a renewed commitment to faith, service and unity, while expressing hope that Sarawak’s future generations would inherit lasting peace, shared prosperity and religious harmony.
“May our children inherit a future of peace, shared prosperity and religious harmony. Together, may we continue to uphold the spirit of Segulai Sejalai,” he said. — DayakDaily
