KUCHING, Nov 10: The Anglican Diocese of Kuching welcomes the Sarawak Election but calls on all parties involved to take all necessary precautions to prevent the emergence of Covid-19 clusters.
The Anglican Diocese of Kuching had just concluded its 30th Biennial Diocesan Synod at St Thomas’s Cathedral, Kuching on Nov 7 to 10. It was attended by 200 delegates, including the priests and parish delegates.
“The Synod takes notice of the upcoming 12th State Election. While the Diocese of Kuching welcomes the opportunity for the people to exercise their inherent rights to elect the government of their choice, we are also deeply concerned about the issues surrounding the health, safety and well-being of the people, in light of Covid-19 which is still spreading in our community.
“We urge all parties involved with the election—political parties, candidates, agents, party workers and all voters—to take all necessary precautions. The safety of everyone must never be compromised at any time.
“Instead, the health and wellbeing of everyone should be prioritised before, during and after the Election. It would be tragic if by holding State Election, we cause more new clusters to happen,” said Bishop of Kuching (Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam) Datuk Danald Jute in a press statement today.
He said the Anglican Church exhorted all parties to rise above their political affiliations and differences for the betterment of all Sarawakians, who inherit a rich legacy of mutual trust, respect, brotherhood and amity.
“All attempts inimical to peace and harmony must be opposed. Likewise, all attempts to curtail our freedom, including freedom to practise and promote one’s faith and religion must be rejected,” said Danald.
Following the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 3 after the lifting of the Emergency on the same day, the Constitution requires Sarawak to hold its State polls within 60 days as DUN expired in June 2021. — DayakDaily
