(From left) Abang Johari and Juma’ani, accompanied by Dr Kalwinder, tour the Gallery and
Resource Centre. — Photos by Jeffery Mostapa
KUCHING: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has proven to be a caring chief minister when he announced the approval of a piece of land right in the city centre for further progress of the Sikh community.
Despite being a small ethnic group in Sarawak, the Sikh community has contributed to the state’s development over the years, said Abang Johari at Vaisakhi Celebration 2017 held at Kuching Sikh Temple at Jalan Masjid here yesterday.
According to the chief minister, the approved land is adjacent to the current site of the temple managed by Sarawak Sikh Temple Association.
“This is an important and strategic area and the state government has a long-term plan because it is part of the heritage trail. There is one lot behind this temple which can be used for your expansion works.
“Besides, we have also approved a piece of land in Batu Kitang for you to do cremation. You can maintain this site (the temple) as heritage site, which is strategic and tourists can come to visit,” said Abang Johari.
He added: “I cannot divulge the whole development plan yet.”
He called upon the Sikh community to equip themselves with the latest know-how particularly on the digital economy, a sector which the state government is pursuing to better position Sarawak in the global economy.
Asserting that “technology is colour-blind”, Abang Johari said they must embrace the latest technology and knowledge in order to write their own success story.
“Technology transcends faiths and colours. Those who are successful and stand to be successful are there because of knowledge and the command of technology and not because of faith or race.”
He then briefly informed the Sikh community of how founder of Alibaba Group Jack Ma emerged as a successful entrepreneur and is now the richest man in China.
He hoped that the Sikh community would be able to produce successful entrepreneurs like Ma.
Abang Johari was pleased to note that people of other faiths also joined the celebration, pointing out: “Today is a symbol where we can work together.”
He pledged to adhere to the policy of preserving the state as “a united Sarawak” so that “Sarawak will become a model in Malaysia by 2020”.
Earlier, president of Sarawak Sikh Temple Association Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said Abang Johari had been supportive of the Sikh community even before he was sworn in as the sixth Chief Minister of Sarawak.
He said the chief minister had visited the Sikh Temple here four times in the last five years.
“The last time Datuk Amar came here was for the official opening of our Gallery and Resource Centre, which was in 2015. And today marks his first visit as the chief minister.”
Dr Kalwinder said among others at the Vaisakhi do were representatives from the Islamic Information Centre, Sarawak Buddhist Association, Sarawak Chinese-Muslims Association, Indian Association Kuching, India Street Merchants Association and Old Market Community Association.
According to him, the Sikh Temple here is over 100 years old.
“We have been here for 100 years, and we have to plan for the next 100 years,” added Dr Kalwinder.
At the celebration, Abang Johari handed out appreciation awards to teachers of Punjabi School.
Vaisakhi marks the Sikh new year and is usually celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year.
Among those present were Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Datuk Bandar of Kuching City North Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.
Dr Kalwinder (right) presents a memento to Abang Johari. Also seen are Juma’ani (third left), Fadillah (second right) and Wahap (left).