By Karen Bong
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Sept 5: More than 500 attendees from various faiths gathered tonight at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre to celebrate the birthday of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, in a special interfaith prayer ceremony.
Organised by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), the service featured interfaith prayers from six religious bodies – the Baha’i, Hindu, Christian, Tao, Buddha and Sikh, reflecting Sarawak’s diverse religious harmony.
The opening prayer was led by Anglican Bishop of Kuching and Brunei Darussalam, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jude, followed by representatives from other faiths, Myra Ungau (Baha’i), Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammika (Buddhist), Gurkal Nagendrasarma Suthaharan (Hindu), Pastor Ambrose Liap (Christian), Gurdial Singh (Sikh), and Nigel Bong (Taoist).
Addressing the special event, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn emphasised the significance of loyalty to the constitutional monarchy, citing the second pillar of the Rukun Negara, “Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara” (Loyalty to the King and Country), which is second to the first pillar, “Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan” (Belief in God).
“On behalf of Sarawak, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty on his ascension as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
He highlighted that the event once again showcased the uniqueness of Sarawak, which is the only region in Malaysia that has consistently organised interfaith thanksgiving and prayer ceremonies for various occasions.
“This event exemplifies the mutual respect and understanding among our people, as we come together from different religious and spiritual backgrounds to offer prayers for the well-being of His Majesty in conjunction with his birthday celebration,” he added.
Sagah also shared Unifor’s accomplishments since its inception in 2017, with 778 projects completed, amounting to RM100.4 million, and an additional 623 ongoing projects valued at RM148.9 million.
These projects include new building works, maintenance, repairs, renovation and purchasing of fittings, equipment and religious instruments for houses of worships.
“On this auspicious day, we offer sincere prayers for His Majesty’s continued health, happiness and strength. May His Majesty be blessed with the wisdom to lead with clarity, compassion to nurture with kindness and fortitude to navigate any challenges.
“We seek divine protection for His Majesty and may his reign be marked by prosperity and success of noble endeavours benefitting all the people, regardless of their races, cultures and religions,” he concluded.
Deputy Minister of Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring Datuk Gerawat Gala and Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susol were present. — DayakDaily
