By Joseph Masilamany
KUCHING — Catholic bishops joined other Christian leaders in a high-level dialogue with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 28, reaffirming the importance of cooperation between religious communities and the state in promoting harmony and national unity in Malaysia.
The meeting took place during a courtesy call by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya, Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.
Led by CFM Chairman Rev. Dr. Eu Hong Seng, the delegation discussed issues including religious harmony, Sarawak’s development, and the state’s continued support for non-Islamic faith communities.
Representing the Catholic Church were Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim of Kuala Lumpur, vice chairman of the CFM, and Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, who serves as the federation’s assistant honorary treasurer. They were joined by Kuching Anglican Bishop Datuk Danald Jute, CFM Executive Secretary Rev. Andy Chi Cheng Khee, and other representatives of Malaysia’s major Christian bodies.
The delegation was accompanied by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, director of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
According to the Sarawak government, the meeting reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the state administration and Christian communities while providing an opportunity to exchange views on religious harmony, development, and matters of mutual interest.
Christian leaders also discussed the work of UNIFOR, the state government agency established to support non-Islamic religious communities. The unit provides assistance for churches, temples, and other places of worship, as well as religious infrastructure projects throughout Sarawak.
The Catholic bishops and other church leaders welcomed the continued engagement between the government and faith communities, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in fostering peaceful coexistence among Malaysia’s diverse religious groups.
The delegation also expressed appreciation for the Sarawak government’s efforts to promote inclusive policies and maintain close cooperation with religious communities.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia is the country’s principal ecumenical body, bringing together the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, the Council of Churches of Malaysia, and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship. It serves as a common platform for engagement with government authorities on issues affecting Christian communities, religious freedom, national unity, and social welfare.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation in strengthening interreligious understanding and serving the common good.
Later in the day, members of the CFM gathered for a fellowship dinner, continuing discussions and strengthening relationships among Christian leaders from across Malaysia.
