STEEPED IN TRADITION: Orang Ulu paramount chief Temenggong Pahang Ding (right) hands over the traditional appointment knot (countdown material) to the Head of State before the start of Baram Regatta 2011. Also seen (from left) are Entri, Jabu, Norkiah, Empiang and Winnie Sagan.
MARUDI: The historic Baram Regatta officially kick-started yesterday with a firm message for all Sarawakians to preserve unity in diversity in order to drive the state forward.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, in his address, told the huge number of people present that both the state and federal governments had taken the necessary initiatives over the years to ensure that the state’s rich cultural and traditional heritage were properly safeguarded, and that everyone would have access to good education to tap the K-economy.
He added that Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had also constantly emphasised the need for all communities to stay true to their roots.
“Ultimately, preserving harmony and unity is crucial for our society and our younger generation must carry on with this,” Jabu said.
Among those present were the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin, his wife Toh Puan Norkiah, Speaker Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industries Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, and Assistant Minister of
Public Utilities (Water Supply) who is the organising chairman Datuk Sylvester Entri.
The opening of the regatta was steeped in the traditions of the natives, where this important event was marked by a string of knots as a calendar in the countdown to the event.
“Each knot is opened daily, and this tradition was re-lived in the opening of the Baram Regatta this year,” Jabu noted.
The first race after the opening ceremony was done in a heavy downpour, as a pair of dragon boats and native racing boats were paddled furiously by seasoned competitors from upriver towards the main stage in town.
That neck-to-neck race saw Tedung Melancar crossing the finishing line first.
Interestingly, the rain stopped shortly after the race ended and the sun appeared as the VIPs dispersed for lunch nearby.