Nurturing a harmonious community: More than 60 participants representing various organisations that reflect Sabah’s multicultural spirit attended the Kenali KITA programme at the City Mosque in Kota Kinabalu.
KOTA KINABALU: A gathering of various cultural and religious groups at the City Mosque here marked the start of a series of community bonding initiatives for the people in Sabah.
Organised by the Sabah Unity in Diversity Community Partners (SUIDCP), the initiative dubbed “Kenali KITA” (get to know us) aims to strengthen bonds between different ethnic and religious groups through mutual understanding and learning.
KITA team and producer Lim Hock Song said the inaugural event on Oct 5 was jointly organised by Gabungan Dakwah Malaysia (GDM) Sabah and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
He said the programme featured a series of insightful talks from prominent speakers, including those from the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department and other Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as agencies.
They spoke about the essential role of the state Islamic Affairs Department and mosques in promoting Islamic teachings and fostering societal unity, he said.
Lim said the speakers shared the importance of these institutions in nurturing a harmonious community, how mosques can promote social cohesion and support, as well as how Islamic NGOs can contribute to the development of the Muslim community.
“For example, Marsus Jabar from GDM Sabah elaborated how these organisations provide essential support and promote education, enhancing social and spiritual growth within the broader society,” he said in a statement.
During the event, participants also enjoyed an engaging guided tour of the mosque, exploring its vibrant community and educational initiatives, he added.
Lim said this immersive experience fostered a deeper understanding of the mosque’s role in the local community.
He said the Kenali KITA event successfully showcased the spirit of cooperation and understanding among the diverse ethnic and religious groups present, reinforcing the importance of unity in diversity and the strength that collaboration brings.
More than 60 participants representing various organisations that reflected Sabah’s multicultural spirit attended the event.
Among them were the Buddhist Foundation of Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia Sabah, Che Sui Khor Moral Uplifting Society, GDM, IKRAM Sabah and the National Unity and Integration Department Sabah.
Others included the Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sabah State Council, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association, Mettiyarama Centre, Sabah Council of Churches, Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu liaison office), Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Sabah and Yayasan Islam Sabah.
Lim said this diverse representation underscored a shared commitment to fostering community ties and mutual respect.
He said SUIDCP planned to organise more “Kenali KITA” events in collaboration with various partners in the future, aimed at further strengthening bonds among communities through shared experiences and mutual learning. Those interested in future events are encouraged to check out the SUIDCP Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sabahuid, he added.
