By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING (April 2) — There are about 50,000 members of the Bahá’í community spread over 401 localities throughout Sarawak, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
According to Uggah, who is also minister-in-charge of Unit for Other Religion (Unifor), the members come from various ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
“These include the Iban, Chinese, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kayan, Salakau, Penan and Indians,” said Uggah whose speech text was read out by Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian who was representing Uggah at the Bahá’í New Year (Naw-Ruz) Celebration held at local hotel here today.
On the Naw-Ruz celebration, Uggah noted Bahá’í ‘Naw-Rúz’ which in the Persian language means ‘New Day’, is celebrated on March 21 this year which marks the Vernal Equinox, first Day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere as well as the first Day of the Bahá’í Calendar.
Naw-Rúz, he said, is celebrated by Bahá’ís all over the world after fasting for 19 days which was from March 2 until 20, symbolising renewal, an occasion when all can reflect on their spiritual reality and how they can contribute to the well-being of their society.
“Tonight marks the first Bahá’í Naw-Rúz celebration jointly organised by Unifor, Department of Premier of Sarawak and The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Sarawak.
“Indeed, it is of great pleasure for all of us to be here to celebrate with our Baha’i brothers and sisters regardless of our race and religion. Undoubtedly, this is a good practice and trend for Sarawak,” he said.
Also present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Unifor director Datu Jack Aman Luat, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) director Samuel Simon, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Fr Simon Poh, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Sarawak chairman Chin Chia Chau, The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Sarawak Secretary-General Dr Shehab Phung and other distinguished guests.
