KUCHING: Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud has contributed immensely to the state's development since joining politics in 1963.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the former chief minister was instrumental in forging solid racial unity and harmony as well as political stability in Sarawak.
"This has led to Sarawak becoming a paragon of unity, harmony and stability in the nation today despite religious and racial diversities.
"Sarawak's current pace of development has its root in his (Taib) dynamic, people-centric leadership," he said at a special thanksgiving prayer gathering held in conjunction with Taib's 85th Birthday Celebration 2021 here today.
Uggah said the gathering was indeed a reflection of the inclusiveness, harmony, solidarity, stability and progress here in Sarawak.
He hoped the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) will continue to organise more similar events to bring together heads of different religious institutions for them to enhance and cement their ties.
"While we can engage with one another in a constructive brotherly manner, other parts of the world are torn apart by internecine religious fanaticism and racial strife."
He said the establishment of UNIFOR by the late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem was indeed the way forward in Sarawak. It is now an agency promoting works on interfaith dialogues, understanding, and cooperation.
"In many of our faith traditions, the best way to avoid misunderstanding is to do good together, to pray together and to find common objectives together. I believe all religions teach their followers to do just that," he said.
On another note, Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, reminded all Sarawakians to observe the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) despite people in the state gaining their freedom and being allowed to move around.
"The state has rescinded its inter-district travel ban a few days ago while cases are showing the downward trend. But, I would strongly advise those planning to return to their villages and longhouses in the interiors to take the strictest precautions in doing so."
Uggah also advised those who plan to return to their respective villages to get themselves tested with the Covid-19 self-testing kits to protect their family members, especially the elderly and the young.