Joniston symbolically handing solar panel lights to SIB churches in Kiulu and Pekan Nabalu to Head of SIB Pekan Nabalu Area Penatua William Wong (front, fifth right) and Head of SIB Kiulu/Tamparuli Penatua Yumil Sounggin (front, sixth right).
KIULU: Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has proposed the creation of a Kiulu Interfaith Harmony Committee aimed at further preserving and strengthening the existing religious unity in the community.
He said the committee should bring together respected elders and leaders from all major faiths in Kiulu, including Islam, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist and Sidang Injil Borneo.
“Its main purpose would be to maintain a high level of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation among communities,” he said during a solar panel handing ceremony to SIB churches here, yesterday.
Joniston said Kiulu has long enjoyed peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious groups and that 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 Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the committe could also serve as a platform for engagement between local community and religious leaders.
He had also previously suggested organising an inclusive event involving all faiths, dubbed Kiulu Harmony Festival, as part of efforts to promote shared values and unity.
He said 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 his commitment remains firm in supporting the physical development of places of worship as well as religious activities.
