Religious Culture Promotes Unity – Lee Kim Shin Praises Baxian Temple's Contributions

(Miri, 30th) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, stated that religious and cultural celebrations are not only manifestations of faith, but also important bonds for community unity and harmony.
He said that Sarawak has always been known for its diversity and inclusiveness, and celebrations like the birth anniversary of Master Li at Baxian Temple are a testament to religious harmony and cultural diversity. Besides allowing devotees to express gratitude and pray for blessings, such celebrations also encourage interaction and mutual care among community residents.
Lee Kim Shin expressed this last night when he was invited to officiate the closing ceremony of the Wenyi Evening Gala for the Year of the Snake, September 8th (lunar calendar), Master Li's birth celebration at Miri Baxian Temple.

He said, since the Sarawak Government established the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) in 2017, more than RM 565 million has been allocated, of which RM 475 million was used for the construction, maintenance, and equipment provision for non-Islamic places of worship, including Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, Baháʼí, Sikh, and Hindu temples or churches; another RM 90 million was used to support mission schools.
“Not only have these measures allowed each religion to continue its faith and cultural activities in safe and comfortable environments, they also demonstrate the Sarawak Government's commitment to an 'inclusive society' and truly embody the spirit of 'unity is strength.'”
Lee Kim Shin also praised Miri Baxian Temple for its proactive efforts in promoting social welfare, culture, and community services since its establishment in 1969, enriching the spiritual and cultural lives of citizens. He recalled that he was invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Baxian Temple as early as 1991 and has witnessed the temple’s development and prosperity since then, for which he feels very gratified.

In his speech, he said that he wishes Master Li to bless everyone with good health, family happiness, and successful careers, and hopes that Baxian Temple will continue to leverage the power of faith and culture to contribute even more to community harmony and Sarawak's development with the support of UNIFOR and united society.
Meanwhile, organizing chairman Chong Siew Siong mentioned in his speech that Baxian Temple greatly values giving back to society and organizes a series of annual welfare activities. Their next regular activity will be the white rice donation on October 26th (Gregorian calendar), which is also the celebration day of Yuan Shuai Gong attaining enlightenment for Double Ninth Festival.
In addition, the regular annual activities also include blood donation campaigns with Miri Hospital Blood Bank; distribution of dry goods and white rice to orphanages, disability centers, the Blind Association, Miri Special Children Center, some underprivileged people registered with the Miri Social Welfare Department, as well as the Single Mothers' Association.
He also hopes that the guest of honor for these activities will generously provide some help.