Daud (third left), Lo (second left) and other distinguished guests cut a cake at the dinner.
KUCHING: Respecting each other’s race and religion is the key to preserving harmony in the state, said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs), Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.
Speaking at a ‘2014 Pre-Gawai Dayak Dinner’ organised by Kampung Desa Wira Lot Village Safety and Security Committee (JKKK) and Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) last Sunday, he said this was important in a multi-racial and multi-religious state.
“This pre-Gawai celebration shows we as Sarawakians, and Malaysians in general, respect all races and religions. This is shown not only when we gather to celebrate Gawai, but also other major festivals like Christmas, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.
“For example, in Kampung Desa Wira Lot, the community is diverse and live together in harmony. Sarawakians as a whole respect each other’s race and religion and we can practise our faith freely,” Daud said at the dinner organised in collaboration with PBB Kampung Desa Wira Lot branch.
“In Malaysia, the political situation and community is stable, unlike places like Thailand and Ukraine,” he quipped, citing the recent political unrest in both countries as examples.
Daud reiterated that if citizens celebrate festivals sincerely and honestly, it would help strengthen harmony.
“The younger generation should be trained to respect other races and religions and live harmoniously,” he said.
Daud announced a RM3,000 allocation for the PBB Kampung Desa Wira Lot Women’s wing, RM10,000 for building a kindergarten as well as RM5,000 for JKKK activities.
“Other matters brought up earlier by JKKK chairman Stanley Repon Maxwel Lambor were the building of a hall, piping, electricity and drainage to be brought up with relevant authorities and government agencies,” he said.
Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang also attended the dinner.