KUCHING: At a time when tensions over race and religion continue to make headlines elsewhere, Sarawak remains a shining example of how harmony can thrive when respect is a way of life and not just policy.
From interfaith prayers during major state events to friendships across cultures nurtured over coffee shop tables, Sarawak’s multiracial and multifaith society shows that unity is not just possible but deeply rooted in everyday life.
Religious and community leaders across the state say this unique bond is held together not by force or fear but by trust, tradition and a shared Sarawakian identity which is something the rest of the country can learn from.
For Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, harmony in Sarawak may not be flawless but it is something truly remarkable.
“In truth, the state of religious and racial harmony in Sarawak is far from perfect. But we can rejoice and be proud of the fact that, generally speaking, we have a strong sense of racial and religious harmony in Sarawak. And it is apparent that this harmonious relation is getting stronger by the day,” he said.
He applauded the Sarawak government and Premier for actively promoting inclusive policies that build mutual understanding.
“Together, Sarawakians have been able to cultivate an environment where our differences are celebrated and embraced,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of personal connection.
“The simplest, and anyone can do this, is by being friends with everyone. Learn to trust and respect others, especially those who are different from oneself. With those values and approaches, we can hold genuine dialogue, ‘kopitiam dialogue,’ where you can be honest and open with one another.”
He cited events like the Harmony Walk, which returns this year after a pandemic pause, as important examples of unity in action.
“Such events bring people of different faiths and backgrounds together for social interaction and celebration, breaking down barriers,” he said.
As a member of the National Harmony Committee under the Ministry of National Unity, he continues to push for dialogue that moves beyond tolerance to true acceptance.
From a Hindu perspective, Krishnarao Subramaniam otherwise known as Prabhu Kripa, chairman of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sarawak State Council and International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Kuching, echoed similar views.
“The state of religious and racial harmony in Sarawak today is generally positive, stable, and deeply rooted in mutual respect among its diverse communities,” he said.
“Sarawak’s approach to unity stands apart due to strong social cohesion and cultural inclusiveness.
“People of diverse backgrounds live, work and study together peacefully. There is open acceptance and celebration of one another’s beliefs and practices,” he said.
“Sarawak Day is a powerful symbol and platform for promoting unity across Sarawak’s multicultural society.
“The occasion features inclusive public events such as Unity Walks and interfaith ceremonies supported by both government and community efforts,” he added.
He praised initiatives like UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions), which ensured fair treatment of all religious groups in official settings.
“For example, through thanksgiving ceremonies and the inclusion of prayers by leaders of various faiths at official events,” he said.
For Kapitan Tony Wee, Sarawak’s harmony is visible not only during public celebrations but in daily life, especially through intermarriages, mutual celebrations and inclusive governance.
“There is mutual respect among Sarawakians as we celebrate the various religious and cultural festivals together and there are many intermarriages among the various communities,” he said.
Tony views Sarawak Day as a proud milestone in the state’s history, marking the moment Sarawak stood on its own before joining the Federation of Malaysia. He believes the occasion stirs deep emotional pride among Sarawakians, uniting them in the face of external pressures and reminding them of their shared identity and homeland.
He shared that he promoted harmony by actively attending religious and cultural events, offering help to everyone regardless of background and ensuring that government policies were clearly communicated to the communities he served.
Tony praised the state government’s inclusive education and religious support.
“There are Chinese-type primary schools (Chung Hua) that readily accept every Sarawakian child. The government provides grants and other assistance to religious bodies,” he said.
He also pointed to the Interfaith Hall at Sarawak General Hospital here, which allows medical staff of all religious backgrounds to pray and worship in peace.
“That is real inclusivity in practice,” he said.
For future generations, he believes adults must model good values.
“To nurture unity, there must be active participation from parents, teachers, religious leaders and politicians. The younger generation is the product of its elders,” he added.
For Russell Geramong Wilson, lawyer and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) councillor, Sarawak’s unity is something instinctive, not manufactured.
“In Sarawak, unity is not something we have to force. It is simply how we live. It is embedded in the way we treat one another, with respect, warmth and sincerity,” he said.
“What makes Sarawak truly unique is that we do not draw lines between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Here, it is just Kita Orang Sarawak. You will often see people of all races and religions sitting together at the same kopitiam, laughing over shared meals, attending events of diverse cultures and traditions and no one thinks twice about it.”
Russell sees Sarawak Day as more than a public holiday. To him, it is a meaningful reflection of the state’s identity, a reminder of its shared journey and a moment to look ahead to the future Sarawakians are building together.
He believes harmony must be nurtured both socially and structurally.
“It is not enough for harmony to exist socially, we must also ensure that fairness is protected structurally through our policies, decisions and institutions,” he said.
To build unity among the young, Russell called for more shared spaces.
“Our young people should grow up not just side by side but truly together. That means shared classrooms, sports teams, and cultural experiences. Unity should not be something they only learn in textbooks. It must be something they live and feel.”
What he is most proud of, he said, was how effortless unity felt in Sarawak.
“Honestly, I am proud of how natural it feels. There is no pretence. No trying-too-hard. We are not perfect, no society is, but we have built something precious here, which is trust. That trust is the soul of Sarawak. And as long as we protect that, no matter what challenges come, we will always stand strong as one and proudly Sarawakian.”
As Sarawak celebrates its journey on Sarawak Day, the voices of its people echo a clear message. Unity here is not the result of enforcement or slogans but a way of life built on mutual respect and deep-rooted trust. While challenges remain, Sarawakians continue to show that harmony can thrive when it is grounded in sincerity and lived every day. In an increasingly divided world, Sarawak stands as proof that diversity, when embraced with open hearts and shared purpose, can be a source of strength, not division.
