KUCHING: The Bahá’í principle of unity without uniformity mirrors Sarawak’s strength in embracing people of different races, religions, languages and cultural traditions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak’s diversity was one of its greatest strengths, with its people united by mutual respect and common aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity.
“The Bahá’í teaching on unity reflects a principle that resonates deeply within Sarawak – that unity is not about uniformity.
“Rather, it is about unity in diversity. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Statewide Celebration of Bahá’í Naw-Rúz & 75th Anniversary of the Baha’i Community in Sarawak at Imperial Hotel here on Friday (Sept. 25).
The celebration was also attended by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, reflecting their appreciation for the Bahá’í community’s longstanding contribution to Sarawak’s multicultural and multireligious society.
Their presence also underscored the hope that the Bahá’í community would continue playing its part in strengthening ties among communities and contributing to the well-being and development of Sarawak.
Abang Johari also said Sarawakians came from different ethnic backgrounds, practised different religions, spoke different languages, and preserved different cultural traditions, yet remained united by their shared identity as Sarawakians.
He said Sarawak’s harmony had been nurtured over generations through goodwill, tolerance and a willingness to appreciate one another’s beliefs and traditions.
“This philosophy aligns closely with the efforts of the Sarawak Government through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to unite the people of Sarawak while embracing the diversity that enriches our society.
“By respecting our differences and focusing on our common values, we continue to build a State where every community feels valued, respected, and included,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s development should not be measured solely by economic growth, modern infrastructure and technological advancement, but also by the strength of its people, resilience of its communities and values that bind them together.
“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.
Abang Johari also congratulated the Sarawak Bahá’í community on its 75th anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of its longstanding presence in the State’s multicultural and multireligious landscape.
He said that over the past seven and a half decades, the Bahá’í community has become an integral part of Sarawak’s rich multicultural and multireligious landscape.
“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.
