SIBU: The success and progress enjoyed by Sarawak today are not the result of coincidence, but are born of the strong spirit of togetherness and unity among its multi-ethnic population, who live, work and celebrate festivities together as one large family.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said harmony and unity among the races form the fundamental foundation of Sarawak’s prosperity and stability, setting the state apart from many other places grappling with social division and conflict.
According to him, mutual respect and the celebration of cultural diversity have long been ingrained in the daily lives of Sarawakians, making unity the state’s true strength in driving development.
“In Sarawak, celebrations such as Chinese New Year are not observed by the Chinese community alone, but are shared by all races. This is the true face of Sarawak, eating together, conversing together and returning home together as one big family,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Lantern Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at the Sibu Central Market, on Wednesday.
Commenting on the state's development, the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) said Sarawak is now in a far stronger position compared to a decade ago.
“Today, people say ‘follow Sarawak’. In the past, such an expression did not exist because we were not good enough. While we are now on firmer ground, we still aspire to be better.
“If we remain united, five years from now Sarawak will be in a much stronger position than it is today,” he said.
He added that racial unity is not only crucial for social stability, but also a key pillar of economic prosperity and sustainable long-term development.
“In many parts of the world, societies spend too much time quarrelling and engaging in conflict. When excessive time is consumed by disputes, achieving prosperity becomes difficult.
“In Sarawak, we choose unity, we work together and we move forward,” he said.
Also present were MPHLG Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Bukit Assek Assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Chairman Clarence Ting and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Central Youth Chief Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie. -UKASnews
