Latest news with #AbangJohariOpeng
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: New St Peter's Church building a symbol of vision, resilience and faith
KUCHING: The Gothic-inspired St Peter's Church building in Padungan here, one of the most iconic buildings in the city, was officially opened today, five years after its construction commenced in 2019. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the church building is not just a place for prayer and reflection, it is a symbol of vision, resilience and deep-rooted faith. "The presence of St Peter's Church among other religious houses in close proximity is a powerful testament to the religious harmony and unity that Sarawak is so proud to uphold," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony. His speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari said Sarawakians are blessed to live in a land where mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are not mere aspirations, but a way of life. "This church adds further beauty to that legacy and will undoubtedly be a feature tourism attraction in the years to come," he said. "What is even more heartening is the spirit of togetherness that made this vision a reality." He lauded the remarkable collaboration shown by the Catholic community, joined hand-in-hand by friends and supporters from other faiths and walks of life. He said whether through generous funding or dedicated physical labour, this has truly been an exemplary showcase of what a united community can achieve. He also said it is the shining model of how shared purpose and collective goodwill can give rise to greatness. Later, Uggah, on behalf of the premier, handing over a RM1 million cheque to the church in further aid to the building fund. The RM38-million church, which can accommodate up to 1,000 parishioners, first opened its doors for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve last year. The new church also features an impressive collection of stained glasses that have been handmade and expertly designed by Italians, as well as incorporating the Brooke family crest and the Sarawak emblem in two stained glasses, along with local Dayak motifs showcasing the uniqueness of Sarawak's culture and history. Thye church's history dated back to 1937 with the purchase of seven acres of swampland in Padungan by Monsignor Aloysius Hopfgartner to foster the growth of the local church. With the availability of the land, he later initiated the construction of the church, which was completed in December 1949. Since then, it had undergone several further developments by the 1960s to accommodate the growing congregation. Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie, former federal minister Tan Sri Leo Moggie, Penang Cardinal Bishop Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis, Kuching Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh, Melaka-Johor Diocese Bishop Berard Paul and St Peter's Church rector Father Vincent Chin.
![News@9: Today's top headlines - June 23, 2025 [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FNEWS_9_230625_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1750685771.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
News@9: Today's top headlines - June 23, 2025 [WATCH]
Good evening. You're watching News@9. Here are today's biggest stories. A loss for Sarawak The wife of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, passed away today. Stay of order The High Court suspended its earlier order to freeze assets owned by Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid in London, granting her application to intervene the case. Evacuation déjà vu Seventeen Malaysians have safely arrived home following an evacuation operation from Iran - marking a second evacuation from the country for one of them. Another Sabah arrest MACC has arrested another Sabah assemblyman on suspicion of soliciting and receiving bribes in connection with mining licences in the state. Keywords: Nst Malaysia News News@9
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Gawai parade highlights diverse heritage in Sarawak
Vibrant display: Participants in traditional costumes taking part in the annual state Gawai parade in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Sarawakians showcased their rich multicultural heritage during the annual state Gawai parade here. Over 3,000 participants in 92 contingents from the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities took part in the Niti Daun parade yesterday. Dressed in traditional costumes, they made a colourful sight as they walked from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront, accompanied by 12 decorated floats. This year's parade, organised by the Orang Ulu community, began with the traditional Mamat ritual at the Tun Jugah Building. Historically, the thanksgiving ritual was conducted prior to headhunting expeditions and to seek blessings for the padi planting season. In modern times, the ritual continues to represent the core values of thanksgiving, unity, strength and courage. The parade was flagged off by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, accompanied by other state dignitaries. Participant Vanessa Livan Sigau, of mixed Kayan-Kenyah heritage, said this was her second time taking part in the parade. 'I look forward to opportunities to showcase my culture and traditional costume,' she said, pointing to her beaded sash, belt and feathered headgear known as tapung se'. Watt Enjup, a member of the Persatuan Kebajikan Terabai Menua contingent, said the parade brought together Sarawakians from all races to celebrate the Gawai festival together. 'It shows that Sarawak has many ethnic groups, but we are all united,' he said. Also taking part was a contingent from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak branch and a delegation from North Kalimantan. Gawai is a festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak community on June 1 and June 2 to mark the end of the harvest season. The festival is a time for thanksgiving, celebrating diverse cultures, and strengthening bonds of friendship through open houses and other traditions.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sarawak's multicultural heritage shines at Gawai parade
KUCHING: Sarawak's rich multicultural heritage was on full display at the annual state Gawai parade on Saturday (June 21). Over 3,000 participants from 91 contingents representing the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities took part in the parade, known as Niti Daun. Dressed in traditional costumes, they created a vibrant spectacle as they walked from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront, accompanied by 12 decorated floats. This year's parade, organised by the Orang Ulu community, began with the traditional Mamat ritual at the Tun Jugah Building. Historically, this thanksgiving ritual was conducted before headhunting expeditions and to seek blessings for the paddy planting season. In modern times, the ritual continues to represent the core values of thanksgiving, unity, strength, and courage. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg flagged off the parade, accompanied by other state dignitaries. Participant Vanessa Livan Sigau, of mixed Kayan-Kenyah heritage, said it was her second time taking part in the parade. "I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my culture and traditional costume," she said, pointing to her beaded sash, belt, and feathered headgear known as tapung se'. Watt Enjup, a member of the Persatuan Kebajikan Terabai Menua contingent, said the parade brought together Sarawakians from all races to celebrate the Gawai festival together. "It shows that Sarawak has many ethnic groups, but we are all united," he said. Also participating in the parade were a contingent from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak branch and a delegation from North Kalimantan.
Free Malaysia Today
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Abang Jo to ‘table something' at special Sarawak assembly sitting
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg is expected to table a bill at a special one-day sitting of the state assembly. PETALING JAYA : The Sarawak legislative assembly will convene on July 7 for a special one-day sitting, with state premier Abang Johari Openg expected to table a bill. The Borneo Post reported that a letter on the special sitting, which starts at 9am, has been sent to assemblymen, although the purpose was not disclosed. Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian was also reticent about the agenda of the meeting when asked by reporters, saying simply that Abang Johari would be 'tabling something' on the day without elaborating further.
