MIRI: Radicalism, ethnocentrism and being judgemental must not be allowed to seep into Sarawak’s value system as they could destroy peace and unity.
Minister of Social Development Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said the state had long portrayed the finest example of peace and unity amongst its multiracial and multicultural communities, and it should be protected from all negativities emanating from the peninsula.
“For decades, we (Sarawakians) have no problem living and mixing together. Togetherness holds us close. Contrary to what had happened in the peninsula, I must say there is no need to be ethnocentric, no reason to be too judgemental and we must shun extremists who try to rob us of our peace,” he said at the Sikh Association Miri’s annual dinner here on Friday.
Mawan also advised youngsters to gel with the society at large.
“There will be time for the youngsters to step in and carry on with the legacy brought down by the older generations.
“But before the time comes, they must evolve in the association’s activities.
“Do what you feel is necessary, contribute to the social and cultural interest of the people and also to the community at large.”
At the event, he gave a RM30,000 grant to the Sikh Association Miri.
Also present were Sikh Association Miri president Narmal Singh, political secretary to the Chief Minister Peter Howell Jilan and Gurdwara Miri (Miri Sikh Temple) team management president Gurmokh Singh.