Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has long been known for its unique spirit of tolerance and harmonious living, where people of diverse races, cultures and religions coexist with mutual respect and understanding.
This was highlighted during the Sayangi Malaysia Prayer Ceremony held at the Pasupathinath Temple in Bukit Padang recently.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who officiated the ceremony, said that in conjunction with Malaysia’s upcoming Independence Day, the event was especially meaningful as it brought together communities of different religions and cultures.
He also witnessed the pooja ritual, a practice commonly observed in Hinduism.
He emphasised that Malaysia’s spirit of unity is best reflected in Sabah, where people of diverse ethnic groups have long lived harmoniously with mutual respect and understanding.
“Sabah has consistently been the best example when it comes to unity. This is something we must not only maintain but continue to grow and expand,” he stressed.
He added that Sabah’s culture of tolerance is itself an attraction for tourists.
“Our diversity in people, culture and traditions is unique to outsiders. Even in tourism, the way our people live together in respect and harmony is something visitors admire,” he said.
He urged that this spirit must continue, with Sabah setting an example to the world by respecting differences and caring for one another’s wellbeing.
“This event is special and meaningful as it highlights unity and tolerance, values that allow us to live peacefully among one another despite our differences,” he said.
He also emphasised the dual significance of the occasion.
“We celebrate our independence in Sabah, but at the same time we also celebrate the formation of Malaysia itself, because that shows our strength as a nation that must remain steadfast with its diverse population. Both are significant, and both are important for us as a country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sabah State Council Chairman Datuk Dr G. Mohan Naidoo said the event provided an opportunity for communities to come together as one big family, get closer and learn about each other’s cultures.
With the theme “Malaysia Madani, Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, he urged Malaysians to find commonalities and accept differences with an open heart as a way to strengthen unity for the wellbeing of the people and the country.
Other activities included the singing of the patriotic song “Tanggal 31” and a chair yoga demonstration.
The event also featured a video montage highlighting the unity initiative, as well as several cultural performances.
Among those present were Tan Sri TC Goh, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah; Datuk Dr Mathavan Karuppiah, Chairman of the Pasupathinath Temple; John Aping, Deputy Director of the Sabah Community and Neighbourhood Development Unit; and Chandrra Segar, Chairman of MIC Sabah, along with many other invited guests.
