KUCHING, Dec 26 — Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today said every Sarawakian must have a high level of tolerance among the followers of the various faiths that have long been in existence in the state.

"Indeed, we are very fortunate that we are able to celebrate Christmas in a very peaceful environment where there is a high degree of tolerance among the various faiths in Sarawak,” he said at the Anglican Church’s Christmas open house here.

He said in other parts of the world, different religions are facing calamities because there is no harmony among them.

"What is important is that we create a conducive atmosphere so that people can pray to God in a very peaceful manner in buildings that are suitable for them,” he said.

Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to the Anglican Bishop of Kuching Datuk Danald Jute for his role in fostering close relationships between the Christians and the Muslims in Lutong, Miri, many years ago.

"I know Bishop that you have done it. When you headed the church in Lutong, Miri, and the church was just next to the mosque, you allowed the Muslims to use parking spaces on Fridays, and then the mosque also gave way to Christians on Sundays.

"That is very concrete evidence of high tolerance between us,” he said.

Abang Johari also expressed his gratitude to the Christian missionaries in Sarawak for starting schools.

"During Rajah Brooke’s rule, Father Francis Thomas McDougall, the first Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, came here and started the mission school that become a legacy where some of us obtained an education.

"If not because of the mission school, I don’t know where we will be.

"We have set up a Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) under Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and we set aside some allocation to help not only the churches and houses of worship of other faiths, but also to help mission schools.

"The mission schools, which were in dilapidated condition, have all been repaired by the state government.

"This is the approach that we are taking. In fact, we have a common objective that is to help the people and to have a good education to be given to Sarawakians,” he said.

Among those attending the open house were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sri Abdul Rahman Hamzah and their wives.