By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 1: Participating in the religious or cultural practices of others does not diminish one’s own faith, whether they are Muslim, Christian, or Buddhist.
Minister of Tourism, Performing Arts and Creative Industry Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah underlined this message as he stepped into Qing Shan Yen Temple in Muara Tebas for the first time during the inaugural Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival organised by Pertubuhan Penyokong Rumah Berhala Tiong Hock Kiong today.
The festival, centred around Taoist traditions, saw devotees sailing with a statue of Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, from Ang Cheng Ho jetty to the temple, accompanied by a fleet of decorated boats for a prayer ceremony.
“The unique locality of this Chinese temple within a Malay village clearly showcases the unity and harmonious coexistence of our community in this area and Sarawak overall.
“We are fortunate to live together in peace and harmony. This uniqueness is even evident when so many lion dance performers are in fact Bumiputeras.
“The Borneo Mazu Cultural Festival, even though tied to Chinese religion, should not just be looked at from the religious lenses but cultural aspects of it,” he said when spearking at the event at Qing Shan Yen Temple in Muara Tebas today.
Abdul Karim emphasised that there is much people can learn and appreciate through this kind of festival as Mazu is considered a semi-historical figure, who had been revered for her benevolence and protection of fisherfolk and sailors.
“I am a Muslim and this does not make me less a Muslim being here in this temple. Similarly, there is nothing wrong with Christians, Muslims or others supporting Buddhist festivals as it will strengthen our bonds through understanding and learning about other cultures and traditions.
“I know sometimes politicians are the ones at fault, creating all the division. But Sarawak is fortunate; politicians are not like that as we put greater emphasis on our unity. We don’t allow extremism in Sarawak,” he said in emphasising the need to respect all faiths and traditions.
Abdul Karim pointed to such harmonious unity can be seen even during occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Maulidur Rasul, where various communities of different backgrounds come together in mutual celebration.
“This inclusivity brings us closer and enriches our nation. It does not make anyone less of a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist when part of an event that you are not celebrating. Furthermore, there is no religion in the world that promotes bad or evil,” he remarked.
Abdul Karim called for continued unity, warning against polarisation, which could threaten the nation’s integrity.
“That is why the high level of tolerance and acceptance must be embedded in our values. I am proud that the Malay community in Muara Tebas here understands this; similarly in Asajaya which is home to the renowned Beliong Temple. So we must continue to preserve and sustain unity in Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim also gave assurance that the Sarawak government and his ministry is ready to support and promote such cultural and religious festivals not only to boost the tourism industry in Sarawak but also to reinforce community ties. — DayakDaily
