KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the spirit of togetherness in a multiracial society must be preserved and continued for the future generations.
“We have celebrated Hari Raya, Gawai, Chinese New Year, and other festivities together. This is Sarawak’s nature,” he said during a Gawai-Raya gathering organised by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) at the council’s community hall, yesterday.
He said the relationship of the various groups between the Chinese, Malays, Dayaks, and Indians had always been of a positive nature.
“Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak, and being a multiracial city saw the influx of all races and it reflects the very strong goodwill among the people.
“The people have respected and understood each other well, they have participated in all kinds of activities together, be it in economic on non-economic,” he pointed out.
He then urged the people to continue their efforts in maintaining a good relationship with the each other despite their differences.
“Let us remember and pray this unity continues among us. May we continue to celebrate the festivities in peace and harmony and strengthen ties together,” he stressed.
He added the Gawai and Raya festivities celebrated together are a good example of how united people are in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan said the council – as a way to promote unity –has always organised gatherings during any festivities.
“We ensure that we value the importance of unity among all ethnic groups and that we should never take such unity for granted.
“We need to thank the Sarawak government for the peace and stability of the state resulting in the steady growth and vibrancy of Kuching as a city and home to about 900,000 people and may it continue to be a liveable and beautiful city.
“We must ensure that Kuching and Sarawak will continue to be harmonious, peaceful and prosperous in the years to come under the leadership of the present government,” he said.
Also present were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, MKBS staff members, and community leaders.
