By Ivy Chai
KUCHING (12 Oct) – In conjunction with the 78th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Catholic Archbishop Simon Poh from the Archdiocese of Kuching, received the Darjah Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak award which carries the title ‘Dato’.
After the investiture ceremony at the Astana Negeri today, newly minted Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Sarawak Government and released his acceptance message:
“Glory be to God whose power,
working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine;
Glory be to Him from generation to generation in the Church
and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
It is in honour of our Catholic Church in Sarawak that I humbly accept this Darjah Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (PSBS) award which carries the title ‘Dato’ from our Sarawak Government. This is an acknowledgement of our contribution to Sarawak from Archdiocese of Kuching, Diocese of Sibu and Diocese of Miri.
Over the years, 62 Catholic Mission Schools throughout Sarawak have given thousands of children access to education; in the cities, towns and especially in communities located in the interior of Sarawak.
The Catholic Church has constantly collaborated with our government’s effort to bring welfare services to those in need in our communities. During the last three years of pandemic, through ACS, we have contributed directly to ensure safety protocols. In collaboration with Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, we have ensured that the pandemic did not spread into our rural communities.
Together with UNIFOR and Islamic Information Centre (IIC), we have built trust and friendship among religious leaders to promote interfaith forums and inter-church dialogues for harmony and mutual understanding.
On behalf of my brother Bishop Joseph Hii of Sibu and Bishop Richard Ng of Miri, we thank our Governor and Sarawak Government for the recognition of the contribution of the Catholic Church. We continue the task of nation building and promotion of harmony, mutual respect and acceptance, as the daily way of life in Sarawak.
I exhort all Catholics and Christians to continue the good work of mercy and community building, working hand in hand, with our neighbours and friends of goodwill for the common good of Sarawak and our nation Malaysia.
Archbishop Simon Poh
To his flock in the Catholic Church, Archbishop Simon Poh has this message:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your support and prayers. I humbly request that when I join your community for Mass and in our Church functions, continue to address me as Archbishop Simon Poh – without Dato or Dr.
For I am first and foremost, your shepherd whom the Lord Jesus has entrusted to take care of His sheep here in Sarawak and Malaysia.
With prayers and blessings,
Archbishop Simon Poh
The team at Today’s Catholic, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Kuching, congratulates His Grace Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh on his Darjah Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (PSBS) award, in recognition of his contribution in bridging and promoting interfaith collaboration, and services rendered by the Catholic Church to the society at large. “Your Grace. Heartiest Congratulations!”
