Taib (second right), flanked by Abang Johari (second left) and Dr Abdul Rahman, accepts a memento from Dr Shajahan.
KUCHING: The onus is upon the younger generation to uphold the prevailing unity and harmony among the people of diverse racial and religious backgrounds in Sarawak.
In stressing this, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud says it is only right that the young Sarawakians, irrespective of race and religion, to carry on and sustain what Sarawak is enjoying at the moment – living in peace and harmony with one another.
“In Sarawak, we have been living harmoniously all this while – at school, at work, in our social interactions and other aspects of our lives – so it is very important that such practices be preserved and enhanced,” he spoke in officiating at the opening ceremony of Masjid India Bandar Kuching at Kuching Waterfront here last night where Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and Masjid Bandar Kuching Khairat (Charity) Trust Board deputy chairman Dr Shajahan Sayeed Ahmad were also
Masjid India Bandar Kuching.
present.
On the just-completed Masjid India Bandar Kuching, Taib said it would become another attraction in the city but most importantly, it would serve as a place for the people to get together and run religious activities – thus, strengthening unity.
Taib commended the Indian-Muslim community for setting up the mosque, adding that this community has contributed significantly towards the unity of the people and also the economic development of Sarawak.
He pointed out that the government has always been mindful about relocating the old mosque at India Street to accommodate the increasing congregation, adding that the new mosque would also cater to the Muslim tourists, facilitating them to perform their prayers during their tours around the city.
The RM22-million project, which commenced construction in 2014 and reached completion very recently, is Taib’s brainchild.