By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 31: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says Sarawak must first safeguard its own harmony before sharing its approach to unity with others.
This came after leaders from the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) during their courtesy call on Abang Johari on July 28, expressed admiration for Sarawak’s ability to maintain peace among its diverse communities and suggested that the State’s approach be shared with Peninsular Malaysia.
“They said, ‘Why not try to propagate this through Peninsular Malaysia?’
“I told them, ‘I take care of my own first.
“Because we have the South China Sea, let me take care of Sarawak so that when Sarawak is strong, Malaysia will also become stronger because of us,’” he said during the Ziarah Mahabbah Majlis Islam Sarawak (MIS) 1448H/2026M Central Zone programme at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja, Mukah today, according to a live broadcast by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Abang Johari said the spirit of ziarah and mahabbah — reaching out, caring for and building bonds with society — was not limited to one community, but reflected Sarawak’s approach in fostering understanding among people of different backgrounds.
He said Sarawak’s harmony was built on the ability of Muslims and non-Muslims to live together peacefully while respecting one another.
“Alhamdulillah, we in Sarawak are not separated from what was practised by Prophet Muhammad. That is why in Sarawak, Islam and non-Muslim communities can live together in such a good condition, understanding and respecting one another,” he said.
He added that this foundation of unity and harmony had enabled Sarawak to continue pursuing development while maintaining stability among its diverse communities. — DayakDaily
