By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 12: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s visit to the Yu Lung San Tien En Si temple in Sibu yesterday (Sept 11) is significant for all Sarawakians as it demonstrates the Agong’s shared sentiment with the people of Sarawak of being open and respectful of others’ religions.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the King’s visit to the temple not only means a great deal to the Buddhists, but also to all Sarawakians.
“This shows that the Agong is truly, how should I say, the same as Sarawakians, being open and respectful of others’ religions,” he told DayakDaily when asked for comments on the Agong’s recent visit.
“This is very different from what is going on in West Malaysia. And I hope that in order for the country to move forward, instability, division, polarisation, extremism, and politicking must be avoided.”
The Deputy Premier said that Sarawakians have always been proud of the fact that everyone in the State respects all races and religions, coexists peacefully, and enjoys each other’s company.
“The trip by the Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah is truly an eye-opener for many people in Sarawak and Sabah, with everyone getting up close and personal with the King and Queen for the first time.
“We would like to thank the Agong for making this trip, which has helped to unite the people of Sarawak and Sabah, and we hope that through this trip, people in West Malaysia will better understand the spirit of Sarawak and Sabah.
“We are also grateful to the Agong for deciding to embark on a journey that no other Agong has ever undertaken, and this is truly a historical milestone in conjunction with the completion of the Pan-Borneo Highway, which is the first time in 60 years that we have roads like this,” he remarked.
In addition to visiting the Yu Lung San Tien En Si temple in Sibu yesterday, the King and the royal entourage, including the Queen and Their Majesties’ children, also visited Raymond Plen longhouse in Sebauh, Bintulu, as part of the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ royal tour.
His Majesty has expressed his love towards Sarawak, including for the concept of a longhouse, which he intends to bring to Pahang.
King Al-Sultan Abdullah also demonstrated his ‘poco-poco’ moves at the longhouse, where several videos of the King dancing with the longhouse folk have gone viral, revealing another side of His Majesty’s openness and humility. — DayakDaily
