Kiulu Interfaith Harmony Committee proposed

Borneo Post

25-05-2025

Joniston handing solar panel lights to SIB churches in Kiulu and Pekan Nabalu. They were received by 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 (May 25): 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.
The committee, he said, 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,' Joniston said during a solar panel handing ceremony to SIB churches here yesterday.
'Kiulu has long enjoyed peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious groups and 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 committee could also serve as a platform for engagement between local community and religious leaders.
Joniston 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 noted that 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.