BINTULU: The Indian community here has been encouraged to continue playing an important role in contributing to the development and progress of the country.
Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing also called on the Indian community need to stand together with other communities in strengthening unity.
He said even though Indians are a minority, the government still prioritises their welfare regardless of cultural background, race or religion as with all other races.
“This is because the Indian community is part of the community that forms our diversity and uniqueness as 1Malaysia,” he said at the Deepavali Night of the Bintulu Indian Association here last night.
Tiong, represented by his Special Officer, Steven Kong Kai Seng, said besides being the voice of the people the association is the best platform to foster community relations.
“In achieving Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2030, this spirit is very necessary especially in meeting the social needs of the people and the state.
“Therefore, through the active involvement and participation of all these groups, all planning and details related to policies and initiatives can be implemented successfully.
“We may have different opinions, but the differences we have should not be a turning point for division and mistrust of each other, in the effort to strengthen unity and complement the diversity of life, ” he added.
At the same time, Tiong called on members of the Bintulu Indian Association to continue preserving their culture and customs so that they are not eclipsed by the passage of time.
“Don’t let our culture only be seen in a museum,” stressing the need to nurture and preserve culture.
Also present was association president Dr Sivashunmugam Sangaran.
