Maulidur Rasul: Non-Muslims' Participation Reflects Sibu's Multi-racial Unity - Dr Annuar

SIBU, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The growing participation of non-Muslims each year in the gatherings and processions marking the Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Sibu division-level highlights the strong unity within the town’s multi-religious community.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the trend was very encouraging and hoped it could be further strengthened in the future.

“I would like to thank the non-Muslim community for joining us today. I am pleased to see many non-Muslims taking part in the Maulidur Rasul procession in this town. This is very encouraging, especially in terms of promoting unity among the different religions here,” he said.

He said this to the media to the media after attending the Maulidur Rasul celebration at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang today, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

More than 7,000 participants from 67 contingents, including government departments and agencies, higher learning institutions, schools, the private sector, surau, mosques, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), took part in the celebration, which featured a 3.2-kilometre procession around the town centre.

The non-Muslim NGOs invited to participate in the gathering and procession included the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association, Teo Chew Association Sibu, Iban Community Chiefs and Headmen (KMKK) Sibu, and the Sibu United Chinese Association (UCA).

Dr Annuar, who is also the Nangka assemblyman, expressed hope that the number of contingents participating in next year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration for Sibu Division, particularly among non-Muslim NGOs, can be further increased.

Meanwhile, former senator representing the Sarawak State Assembly for the 1990-1993 and 1993-1996 terms, Temenggong Datuk Seri Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohammad, 78, was named the Sibu Division’s Tokoh Maulidur Rasul.

-- BERNAMA