By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 20: As hatred, extremism and social polarisation continue to divide societies around the world, Sarawak is offering its own answer — a formula built on trust, moderation and mutual respect.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State’s harmony was not achieved by chance but carefully nurtured over generations.
He said Sarawak’s unique model of unity, which allows people of different races, religions, languages and cultures to live together peacefully, could be attributed to what Abang Johari described as the ‘Sarawak Formula’.
“This is what I call the Sarawak Formula: Trust, Moderation, and Mutual Respect.
“These are the values we must continue to preserve, especially at a time when the world is increasingly challenged by hatred, extremism and social polarisation,” Abang Johari said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Thanksgiving Ceremony of Other Religions in conjunction with the Sarawak Day Celebration 2026 in Sibu tonight, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak Day celebration was not merely about commemorating the historic events of July 22, 1963, but also about celebrating the shared journey of Sarawakians in building a homeland based on unity, mutual respect and collective responsibility.
He said Sarawak’s diverse communities, including Malays, Melanaus, Dayaks, Chinese, Orang Ulus, Indians and others, had contributed to building the State, while various religious communities had played important roles beyond places of worship, including education, welfare and humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to supporting all religious communities through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
He said the government had approved a total of RM685 million through UNIFOR to date, with RM565 million channelled towards the construction, upgrading and maintenance of places of worship, while RM120 million supported mission schools.
For 2026 alone, RM120 million has been allocated to UNIFOR, including RM20 million for mission schools and RM10 million for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
Abang Johari said the investment reflected the government’s belief that Sarawak’s future depended not only on economic strength but also on a society that was morally grounded, inclusive and rich in opportunities. — DayakDaily
