Masing (second left) browsing through the books available at Logos Hope book fair after the launch yesterday. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapha
The volunteers from various countries showcase their respective costumes during the opening ceremony.
Masing (centre) cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the book fair.
Visitors throng one of the book sections on board Logos Hope.
KUCHING: It is most inappropriate for anyone to help the poor get out of the poverty trap if the motive is to strengthen or spread their belief.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who said this, lamented that there have been many cases of people converting to other religions in Sarawak because of financial problems.
“People with empty stomach find it difficult to uphold their philosophy and that’s why one of the ways to stop people from being enticed to the belief which they don’t like is to make sure they are able to stand on their own financially. I think that is very important,” he said.
He told the media this after the launch of the world’s largest floating book fair onboard Logos Hope at Sim Kheng Hong Port in Pending, here yesterday.
Masing said those in poverty would not have the financial means to upkeep themselves, making them vulnerable to influences from outside in order to survive.
“It doesn’t matter which religion but that’s how people do it. People entice you by physical necessity and you may not agree with it but you have no choice because you have to survive.
“That’s why I am quite pleased to read that they (Logos Hope) also do help people out of poverty,” he asserted.
Asked whether he was referring to the alleged conversion case in Miri, Masing said he was not specifically referring to any place or any religion.
“I believe that each one of us has certain belief that we hold dear to but sometimes the belief is compromised by the fact that you need to earn a living somewhere.
“To me, it’s most unfair when anybody who fights to get them out of poverty trap will help to keep themselves strong to their beliefs. Independence of beliefs depends on what you have and how you survive,” he added.
Earlier, in his speech onboard the vessel, Masing, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, said the state shared a similar view with Logos Hope that poverty is a trap.
“Those caught in this creep suffer not only from inadequate finances but also other basic necessities such as healthcare and education and need to break out of the vicious circle.
“Poverty also brings another danger to this country. It makes a person vulnerable to outside forces. It may lead him or her to succumb to a belief which is not to their liking. Poverty reduces the person’s independence on thought and philosophy and belief,” he said.
Thus, he applauded Logos Hope and its crew, who are all non-salaried volunteers, for their willingness to come over to the city to bring hope, knowledge and help those affected by poverty regardless of their background and creed.
He extended his warmest welcome to Logos Hope and its crew, which he said was a genuine expression of international goodwill and understanding.
He added that it was a great inspiration to note that the crew and staff were all non-salaried volunteers and the most amazing thing was that they were able to live and work together peacefully in such a small space despite coming from so many different cultures and religions.
“To us Logos Hope represents a micro community and is a clear picture of what a larger community should and can be,” he said.
He said it was his hope that throughout their stay in Kuching the crew would bring lots of benefits to the community here.
Logos Hope is open to the public from yesterday until Apr 29.