A Historic Interfaith Prayer Ceremony in Kota Samarahan
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Sept 5 — In a remarkable display of unity and religious harmony, over 500 attendees from various faiths gathered at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre last night to celebrate the birthday of Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. The special interfaith prayer ceremony was organised by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) and featured prayers from six religious bodies, showcasing Sarawak’s unique commitment to religious tolerance and mutual respect.
Unifor Leads the Way in Promoting Religious Harmony
Interfaith Prayers Unite Sarawakians
Organised by Unifor, the ceremony brought together leaders and followers from the Baha’i, Hindu, Christian, Tao, Buddhist, and Sikh faiths. The event kicked off with an opening prayer led by the Anglican Bishop of Kuching and Brunei Darussalam, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jude, followed by heartfelt prayers from Myra Ungau (Baha’i), Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammika (Buddhist), Gurkal Nagendrasarma Suthaharan (Hindu), Pastor Ambrose Liap (Christian), Gurdial Singh (Sikh), and Nigel Bong (Taoist).
The diverse line-up of religious leaders highlighted Sarawak’s rich multicultural and multireligious landscape, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a beacon of religious harmony in Malaysia.
A Message of Loyalty and Unity
Addressing the congregation, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, emphasised the importance 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 follows 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,” said Sagah. He praised the unique culture of Sarawak, which regularly hosts interfaith ceremonies to celebrate significant occasions, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding among its diverse communities.
Sarawak’s Unique Commitment to Interfaith Ceremonies
Showcasing Sarawak’s Religious Harmony
Sagah highlighted the event as a testament to Sarawak’s harmonious coexistence, where people of different faiths come together to offer prayers for the well-being of His Majesty. “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.
He also took the opportunity to commend Unifor for its outstanding achievements since its inception in 2017, with 778 completed projects worth RM100.4 million and an additional 623 ongoing projects valued at RM148.9 million. These projects include the construction of new worship facilities, maintenance, repairs, and the provision of religious instruments and equipment, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting diverse religious communities.
Prayers for the Agong’s Well-being and Prosperity
During the event, Sagah extended prayers for His Majesty’s continued health, happiness, and strength. “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,” he said.
“We seek divine protection for His Majesty, and may his reign be marked by prosperity and success in noble endeavours benefitting all the people, regardless of their races, cultures, and religions,” Sagah concluded.
Notable Attendance and Significance
Prominent Figures in Attendance
The ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring Datuk Gerawat Gala and Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susol. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and highlighted Sarawak’s commitment to fostering unity and respect among its citizens.
Celebrating Sarawak’s Unique Cultural Identity
The interfaith prayer ceremony in Kota Samarahan stands as a shining example of Sarawak’s unique cultural identity, where people of all faiths can come together in peace and harmony. As the only state in Malaysia that consistently organises interfaith ceremonies for various occasions, Sarawak continues to lead by example, promoting a message of unity, respect, and shared values.