Fadillah (second right) welcomes Mohd Asfia (third right) upon the latter’s arrival at Masjid Al-Abyad. Also seen is Fazzrudin (fourth right).
Mohd Asfia (second left) presents the contribution to a representative from one of the mosques in Tupong, witnessed by Fazzrudin (third left) and others.
KUCHING: The multi-racial and multi-religious communities in Sarawak are reminded to continue preserving solidarity, which is crucial towards strengthening the country further.
Acting Yang di-Pertua Negeri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar stressed that without solidarity, a country would not be able to progress and prosper; moreover, it would not be able to spark any interest for foreign investors.
“Therefore, let’s not argue with one another because this would only weaken us.
“At the same time, we ought to feel grateful that the people of Sarawak continue to live in harmony and because of this, we ought to preserve this trait (solidarity) so that our future generation would be able to benefit from it,” he said prior to presenting contributions to mosques and suraus under Tupong state constituency, at Masjid Al-Abyad in Taman Matang Jaya here yesterday.
In the context of Islam, Asfia – the present Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker – said the religion always advocates its followers to be united in whatever situation, regardless of their differences.
He pointed out that the spirit of solidarity would make Muslims a strong community – one that is respected by others.
“Let us all stay united and resolve to be successful people who can contribute towards the development of the country.”
Earlier in his speech, Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called upon the committees of mosques and suraus to come up with various programmes, including those that involve youths, as part of the efforts to nip social problems in the bud.
According to him, Islam and its followers are facing many challenges today, especially in terms of obtaining information without boundaries, which can influence and impose negative impact on the younger generation.
“By organising various programmes at the mosques and suraus, I am confident that this can not only help address social issues affecting the teenagers, but at the same time
these activities would invigorate the mosques and the suraus in their respective areas,” he remarked.
Each of the nine mosques and 33 suraus under Tupong constituency received a RM10,000 contribution from the Saarwak government, in addition to the RM3,000 allocated to each mosque and surau committee for them to run their activities and also conduct repair works on their houses of worship.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman was present to witness the ceremony.