KUCHING, Dec 24: Sarawak’s harmonious approach to life is reflected not only in the freedom to practice one’s religion but through the inclusive policy of the State government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg that continues to generously assist all different religions in their respective growth and development.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that Christians and all non-Muslim faithfuls in Sarawak can look forward to the new year with plenty of hope and joy in growing their respective religions as the Sarawak government has doubled the allocation for the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to RM100 million to continue providing funds and assistance to houses of worship.
“Let racial and religious harmony and acceptance continue to be Sarawak’s very hallmark and the very foundation for it to remain strong, united, harmonious and progressive. Let us continue to give religious extremism and bigotry in all forms, a very wide berth,” he reminded in his Christmas message today.
On the economic front, Uggah was glad that Sarawak is on the road to recovery especially with the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 charted to enable Sarawak to surge forward in full confidence.
“However, the road ahead is indeed a long and arduous one. As I have reiterated many times, it will do us Sarawakians countless good if we know what it is all about. It is a workable development plan with a timechart, and if we are resolute enough in using our resources, assets, commitment and in harnessing modern technologies, we will be a high income society by 2030 as planned.
“All the programmes and plans implementation rightly deserve our full support and participation in order to succeed,” he said.
With Sarawak budget of RM10.797 billion, Uggah was enthusiastic that Sarawak can expect a lot of good things to come and Sarawak will certainly be in the best position to ultimately achieve its high income society agenda.
The year 2022, Uggah added, has been an eventful and successful year for Sarawak, especially in overcoming the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But as the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), I would shirk my duty if I fail to remind all that whatever occasions of joy and merriment we celebrate, let us not throw caution to the wind.
“Let us observe all the health practices in place. The relapse (in positive cases) in China is a lesson best learnt from. Let us celebrate responsibly to avoid turning our celebrations into sorrow or mourning later on,” he reminded.
Uggah thus urged all Sarawakians, especially those with comorbidities, to heed the advice from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) health and community medicine expert Prof Dr David Perera’s advice to get their booster shot to strengthen their protection against Covid-19.
“This Christmas, let us again reaffirm our commitment to our harmony, tolerance and unity by visiting the open house of our Christians brothers and sisters.
“Let us share in their joys and happiness like they appreciate and enjoy ours. Let us pray to our respective Gods for continuing peace, harmony, well-being and prosperity and to allow us all to do very well in either our health, studies, business, jobs and whatever endeavours.
“Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year too.” — DayakDaily
