'Segulai Sejalai' Spirit Strengthens Unity Among Miri's Multiracial Community
MIRI: The spirit of unity and harmony among Sarawak's multiracial community was on full display at the Majlis Segulai Sejalai Hari Gawai, organised by the Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (JPNIN) Miri Division together with the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Miri Division.
Piasau Assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the event was more than just a Gawai celebration, describing it as a symbol of Sarawak's unique success in maintaining harmony among its multiracial, multireligious and multicultural population over the years.
He said the theme "Segulai Sejalai", meaning to walk together as one family, reflected the identity of Sarawakians, who have always treated diversity as a strength rather than a dividing factor.
"In Sarawak, we celebrate Gawai, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas and many other festivals together as one big family. This spirit is what makes Sarawak the best example of unity in Malaysia," he said in his speech at the event on Thursday.
He said the values of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance passed down by earlier generations must continue to be upheld so that the peace and harmony enjoyed today can be passed on to future generations.
Commenting on the role of KRT, Sebastian said its functions had expanded far beyond neighbourhood security to become a key driver of community development through various volunteer, cultural, youth development, social welfare and community programmes.
"When neighbours know, trust and look out for one another, the community becomes stronger, safer and more resilient," he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all KRT committee members and volunteers who continue to serve in strengthening unity and the wellbeing of the local community.
As the Deputy Minister responsible for the tourism sector, he stressed that Sarawak's real strength lies not only in its natural beauty, national parks and cultural heritage, but also in its people, who live in harmony and mutual respect.
He said foreign visitors were often amazed to see Sarawak's various ethnic communities living together and celebrating different festivals in a spirit of goodwill, making unity an important asset in promoting the state's tourism.
The event also featured a reading of the Rukun Negara pledge, welcoming remarks, presentation of souvenirs, a dinner, cultural performances, the Suara Perpaduan Hari Gawai performance, Ngiling Tikai and a lucky draw. -UKASnews
