KUCHING – The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) marked the dual celebrations of Sarawak Day and the 38th Kuching City Day with a solemn spiritual gathering at its headquarters in Bukit Siol.
The event, held on the evening of Thursday, brought together staff members and community participants for prayers and religious reflection, underscoring the importance of gratitude and unity within the local government workforce.
His Excellency Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, the Mayor of Kuching North, led the proceedings alongside the city hall’s management team.
The programme commenced with the Maghrib prayer, followed by a collective recitation of Surah Yasin, a chapter from the Quran often read for blessings and remembrance of the departed. The session concluded with the Isyak prayer, creating a peaceful atmosphere for all attendees.
A key feature of the evening was the participation of thirty children from a tahfiz institution. These young students played a central role in the ceremony by leading the congregational prayers.
Their presence added a layer of intergenerational connection to the event, highlighting the role of youth in preserving religious traditions and community values.
The involvement of the tahfiz students was widely appreciated by the staff, who viewed it as an inspiring display of devotion and discipline.
Following the prayers, a religious talk or tazkirah was delivered by Ustaz Azmi. The lecture, titled “Sarawak Maju Makmur” (Prosperous and Advanced Sarawak), focused on themes of progress, stability, and thankfulness.
Ustaz Azmi elaborated on how spiritual grounding contributes to societal development and encouraged the audience to reflect on the peace and prosperity enjoyed by the state and the city. The talk served as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with living in a harmonious and developing society.
Yang Berusaha Encik Ramzi bin Abdillah, the Director of DBKU, was also in attendance, along with senior management and general staff of the city hall.
The gathering provided a rare opportunity for employees from various departments to come together outside of their usual administrative duties.
It fostered a sense of camaraderie and strengthened the bonds of brotherhood among colleagues, which is essential for effective teamwork in public service.
The decision to hold a spiritual programme in conjunction with civic celebrations reflects a growing trend in Sarawak to integrate cultural and religious values into official commemorations.
Rather than focusing solely on formal ceremonies or banquets, DBKU chose a path that emphasised inner reflection and communal harmony.
This approach aligns with the broader state narrative of maintaining social cohesion amidst rapid modernisation and economic growth.
For the staff of DBKU, the event was more than just a religious observance; it was a moment to pause and express gratitude for the blessings of peace and progress.
Sarawak Day, celebrated on 22 July, marks the day the state gained self-governance, while Kuching City Day commemorates the elevation of Kuching to city status.
By combining these milestones with a spiritual gathering, the city hall reinforced the idea that material progress should be accompanied by moral and spiritual well-being.
The venue, the DBKU Headquarters at Bukit Siol, provided a suitable setting for the intimate gathering. The location allowed for easy access for staff and created a comfortable environment for the religious activities.
The successful organisation of the event demonstrated the city hall’s capability to manage diverse programmes that cater to the holistic needs of its workforce.
As Kuching continues to develop as a smart and sustainable city, initiatives like this serve to humanise the administrative machinery.
They remind public servants that their work ultimately serves the people and that maintaining a strong ethical and spiritual foundation is crucial for delivering good governance.
The participation of the mayor and director sent a clear message that leadership values both professional excellence and personal piety.
The evening concluded with a sense of renewed purpose among the participants. The combination of prayer, religious discourse, and community interaction left a lasting impression, reinforcing the ties that bind the DBKU family together.
As Sarawak moves forward, such events play a vital role in ensuring that development is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in shared values.
