By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 26: Sarawak’s true progress cannot be measured solely by economic growth, modern infrastructure or technological advancement, but by the strength of its people, the resilience of its communities and the values that bind society together.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that development is meaningful only when it uplifts people, strengthens families, nurtures compassionate communities and creates opportunities for every individual to contribute towards the common good.
He said it is these shared values that have enabled Sarawak to remain peaceful, stable and united despite its rich diversity of races, cultures and religions.
“Sarawak is widely recognised as a model of harmonious coexistence where people from different backgrounds live side by side with mutual respect and understanding.
“This harmony did not happen by chance. It has been carefully nurtured over generations through goodwill, tolerance and a willingness to appreciate one another’s beliefs and traditions,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the statewide celebration of Naw-Ruz and the 75th Anniversary of the Bahá’í Community in Sarawak at a hotel here last night (Sept 25).
The celebration was graced by the presence of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
The Premier also congratulated the Bahá’í Community of Sarawak on its 75th anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to its longstanding contributions to Sarawak’s multicultural and multireligious society.
Over the past seven and a half decades, he said,the Bahá’í Community has become an integral part of Sarawak’s social fabric.
“Through your emphasis on education, moral development, community-building and service to humanity, you have contributed meaningfully towards building stronger and more caring communities throughout our State,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Bahá’í teaching on unity resonates strongly with Sarawak’s own philosophy that unity is not about uniformity but about embracing diversity while remaining united by common aspirations.
“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We come from different ethnic backgrounds, practise different religions, speak different languages and preserve different cultural traditions.
“Yet we remain united by our shared identity as Sarawakians, our mutual respect for one another, and our common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.
Highlighting the Sarawak government’s commitment to preserving interfaith harmony, he pointed to the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which supports religious communities and promotes understanding, respect and cooperation among people of different faiths.
He stressed that every faith community has an important role to play in building a compassionate, resilient and united society, particularly through efforts to nurture strong families, empower youth, encourage volunteerism and foster mutual understanding.
Looking ahead, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s vision under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 extends beyond economic development to building an inclusive society where all communities have opportunities to flourish and contribute to the State’s future.
“Achieving this vision requires all of us, including government, civil society, religious organisations and every citizen, to work together in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility,” he said.
He added that the Bahá’í Community’s 75th anniversary was not only an occasion to reflect on its contributions over the past seven and a half decades, but also an opportunity to renew its commitment to service, unity and social harmony.
“As Sarawak continues its journey under PCDS 2030 and in alignment with the broader national development direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan, let us continue to work together to build a State that is prosperous, inclusive, sustainable and united,” he said.
He called on all Sarawakians to preserve the harmony inherited from previous generations, strengthen it for the present and pass it on to future generations, while continuing to build a State where diversity is respected, communities are empowered and every individual has the opportunity to contribute to a shared future. — DayakDaily
