(Kuching, 27th) The Sungai Abong Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Kuching solemnly celebrated the Nine Emperor Gods' birthday, with activities that combined blessing ceremonies, traditional rituals of reverence, and a reflection on community development.
Kuching South City Council Mayor Huang Hongsheng, who attended the event at a local restaurant yesterday, expressed his gratitude to the organizers for allowing him to participate in prayer with the community, describing the celebration as both deeply meaningful and inspiring.
He pointed out that the faith in the Nine Emperor Gods is deeply rooted within the Chinese community, and its essence goes beyond religious worship to embody values such as integrity, justice, and the protection of the people.
He said these principles should also serve as important guidelines for public service and urban governance.
"The Nine Emperor Gods Temple is not only a religious venue, but also a stabilizing force for the community. It brings peace of mind, fosters neighborhood unity, and adds warmth to society," he said.
He also praised the temple for translating compassion into action over the years, including helping underprivileged students, supporting disadvantaged families, and responding to community needs through charitable initiatives.
Speaking on urban development, he emphasized that progress should not be measured solely by infrastructure or economic figures, but by how a city cares for its most vulnerable groups.
"A mature city must find a balance between institutions and compassion," he said.
Reflecting on the development of Sungai Abong, he mentioned the current challenges the community faces, including high-density living environments, fire safety risks, and issues with public safety management.
He said that these problems require coordinated and systematic solutions, rather than piecemeal responses.
He called on the community to unite and to engage in constructive communication with the state government to ensure stable and long-term support.
Additionally, he encouraged religious groups to complete formal registration procedures, stating that official institutional recognition helps such groups gain the necessary support and funding, as well as ensuring the sustainability of charitable and community services.
Other attendees included Pandawan Municipal Council Chairman Chen Kai and Nine Emperor Gods Temple Chairman Kuan Jaw San.
Kuching South City Council Mayor Huang Hongsheng, who attended the event at a local restaurant yesterday, expressed his gratitude to the organizers for allowing him to participate in prayer with the community, describing the celebration as both deeply meaningful and inspiring.
He pointed out that the faith in the Nine Emperor Gods is deeply rooted within the Chinese community, and its essence goes beyond religious worship to embody values such as integrity, justice, and the protection of the people.
He said these principles should also serve as important guidelines for public service and urban governance.
He also praised the temple for translating compassion into action over the years, including helping underprivileged students, supporting disadvantaged families, and responding to community needs through charitable initiatives.
Speaking on urban development, he emphasized that progress should not be measured solely by infrastructure or economic figures, but by how a city cares for its most vulnerable groups.
"A mature city must find a balance between institutions and compassion," he said.
Reflecting on the development of Sungai Abong, he mentioned the current challenges the community faces, including high-density living environments, fire safety risks, and issues with public safety management.
He said that these problems require coordinated and systematic solutions, rather than piecemeal responses.
He called on the community to unite and to engage in constructive communication with the state government to ensure stable and long-term support.
Additionally, he encouraged religious groups to complete formal registration procedures, stating that official institutional recognition helps such groups gain the necessary support and funding, as well as ensuring the sustainability of charitable and community services.
Other attendees included Pandawan Municipal Council Chairman Chen Kai and Nine Emperor Gods Temple Chairman Kuan Jaw San.