MIRI: IN what has become a unique tradition here, Christians and Muslims held a joint Christmas gathering at a church in Miri on Sunday evening.

The event was attended by Muslims from the Masjid An Naim and Christians from the Anglican Good Shepherd Church Lutong and Catholic, SIB and Methodist churches.

The celebration was held in the compound of the Good Shepherd Church.

The Masjid An Naim and Good Shepherd Church are located less than 100m from one another in Lutong bazaar, about 10km from the city proper.

Sarawak Assistant Minister for Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin was the guest of honour along with Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting and leaders from the Buddhist, Tua Pek Kong and Miri Indian Association.

Lee, who is State Assemblyman for Senadin, said the state government is pleased to see such unique racial and religious unity in Miri and Sarawak.

"Where else can one find churches and mosques and temples sharing facilities with each other and sharing food and fellowship like families.

"We must preserve this at all costs because it is a unique treasure.

"Being able to enjoy such sincere religious and racial acceptance is priceless," he said.

Pastor of the church Donald Jute said the mosque and church have been sharing car parks for the past 50 years.

"It has become a way of life for us to share car park and meet for gatherings. To us Muslim and Christians we are one big family," he said.

Pastor Donald said it was natural for the mosque and church to help each other in public gatherings.

"This spirit of mutual acceptance comes naturally here," he said.

Chairman of the mosque, Ithnaini Bohari said it has become natural for the Muslims here to share whatever facilities and occasions with the Christians and other Chinese here.

"It is so natural to us that it is part of our daily way of life," he said.

Lee said the spirit of moderation in Sarawak will be preserved and the state government under CM Tan Sri Adenan Satem will spare no effort to keep out extremist elements from the state.









