KUCHING: Mission schools in Sarawak, like SMK St Joseph here, exemplify the unity and harmony of the state, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Chief Minister said these schools reflected Sarawakians' ability to appreciate and celebrate one another's differences.

       "That's the beauty of our beautiful Sarawak and the onus is on all of us to protect this unique way of life as Sarawakians.

       "Let not all that happens outside Sarawak, which causes anxiety and division in society, be a reason for us in Sarawak to be fragmented along religious and racial lines," he said at the launch of the restored Mill Hill Block at SMK St Joseph on Tuesday (Nov 2).

       His speech was read out by state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.

       As a former student of SMK St Joseph, Abang Johari recorded his appreciation to the Mill Hill Fathers who had founded the school in 1882 for bringing education to Sarawakians; and to the La Salle Brothers after them who took the school to new heights.

       "They continued to make the school a haven where students of all races came together to learn and grow holistically regardless of their faith," he noted.

       Abang Johari added that the balanced education at SMK St Joseph built strong characters, including former chief ministers Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and Tan Sri Adenan Satem among its most well-known alumni.

       He hoped the school would continue to serve more generations of Sarawakians and produce leaders for the state.

       The restoration of the 139-year-old Mill Hill Block was completed this year at a cost of RM5.7mil, with the state government contributing RM4mil and the Federal Government RM350,000.

       The restored three-storey block houses nine classrooms, a staff room and offices, new lecture halls and meeting rooms, as well as a museum showcasing the former living quarters of the La Salle Brothers.