KUCHING: The newly officiated Bell Tower and Statue of St. Mark at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Batu Kawa marks both a spiritual milestone and a symbol of the area’s rapid growth.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Batu Kawa has seen major changes since 2016 and is set for further transformation by 2030.
“From 2016 until now, Batu Kawa is no longer the same. In the next few years, you will see a different Batu Kawa,” he said in his speech when officiating at the ceremony yesterday (June 20).
Dr Sim also called for balance between progress and spiritual health.
“In this age of AI, we need spiritual grounding. While we move forward with buildings and infrastructure, we must also nurture the soul.
“At the same time, places of worship have an increasingly vital role to play in providing guidance and community support,” he said.
He also lauded the Sarawak government’s inclusive approach to religious freedom and interfaith cooperation, which has long been a hallmark of the state’s unity and strength.
Apart from that, he commended the spirit of giving among parishioners who contributed to the church’s fundraising drive, noting that even the smallest contributions carried great meaning.
“Fundraising is not about the amount. Even RM1, if it comes from the heart, is powerful. It shows that this place belongs to everyone, not just a donor,” he said.
