MIRI: Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin on Sunday night advised youths here to safeguard their cultures and traditions.
OPEN HOUSE UNIQUE: Lee (sixth from right), joined by other VIPs, cuts the Hari Raya Aidilfitri cake during the gathering.
He said these elements were a strong point of the multi-racial society of the state.
Speaking at a gathering dubbed ‘Salam Aidilfitri 1Malaysia’ organised by Miri Saberkas at Miri Civic Centre, Lee said youths should view the safeguarding of their cultures and traditions as one of their priorities.
“We must view our diverse cultures and traditions as our strength, and not our weakness,” he said, adding that the open house concept was a unique feature of the state which reflected their unity and respect for each other.
He said foreigners were attracted by the festivals and celebrations of Malaysians in the state, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak and Chinese New Year.
On another matter, Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman said, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government had brought tremendous development to the state and country.
He said Miri, for instance, had seen vast development in the last 30 years.
“All these are possible because of the BN government and not the opposition,” he said, adding that as such they should continue giving their support to the coalition.
Fifteen Saberkas units here attended the gathering.
Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia and Miri Saberkas deputy chairman Samat Alip were among those present.