KIULU: There is a need to further preserve and strengthen the existing religious unity in the community.
This could be achieved by establishing the Kiulu Interfaith Harmony Committee, said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Kiulu Assemblyman believes that the committee should bring together respected elders and leaders from all major faiths in Kiulu, including Islam, Roman Catholicism, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB).
“Its main purpose would be to maintain a high level of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation among communities,” said Joniston during a solar panel handing-over ceremony to SIB churches here.
“Kiulu has long enjoyed peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious groups, and this harmony must be protected.
“To ensure this harmony continues, we need a dedicated platform for dialogue and collaboration between all religious groups,” he added.
Joniston, who is also the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said the committee could also serve as a platform for engagement between the local community and religious leaders.
He had previously proposed organising an inclusive event involving all faiths, dubbed the Kiulu Harmony Festival, as part of efforts to promote shared values and unity.
He noted that rural areas like Kiulu often offer the best examples of how different religions can live together in mutual respect.
“This is part of our identity, and we should be proud of it. But we must also actively nurture it,” he added.
Joniston said he supports both the physical development of places of worship and the organisation of religious activities. – Wu Vuide
