‘Festivals unite people for the 1Malaysia vision’

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Nillie (third left) presents a woven mat as a souvenir to Rohani (centre) witnessed by Abdul Karim (second left) and others during the Ngiling Tikai at Kampung Sungai Lumut.

SEBUYAU: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim called for each festival celebrated in the country to serve as a platform to realise the 1Malaysia vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

According to her, each festival observed by Malaysians regardless of whether they are living in Sarawak, Sabah or West Malaysia should be celebrated together.

“During each festival, we take the opportunity to visit our relatives, friends and neighbours regardless of position or religion to symbolise we are all united as 1Malaysia,” she said at a Gawai Ngiling Tikai held at Kampung Sungai Lumut, Sebangan, Sebuyau here on Monday.

Rohani, who is also Batang Lupar MP, said the culture of visiting should be carried on to ensure unity.

“Unity among the multi-racial community in the state is crucial for us to move forward.

“All this while, we live together in peace and harmony where we respect one another as well as one another’s religion, culture and customs,” she said.

“All races, whether minority or not, are given equal opportunity (by the government) and I believe the people owe this unity to political icons and leaders as well as community leaders from way back.”

During the ceremony, Rohani presented government grants worth RM5,000 to 10 village safety and development committee (JKKK) in Sebuyau including Kampung Sungai Lumut.

Among those present were Customs Sarawak deputy director Abdul Karim Wahab, Councillor Asli Yahya, Penghulu Merum Babu, Penghulu Kendawang Ruik, Penghulu Hamdan Esamail and Kampung Sungai Lumut village chief Nillie Ranggu.