Respect and acceptance of religious, racial diversity key to Sarawak’s peace, says Chief Minister
KUCHING: Sarawakians should be counting their blessings as they are experiencing peace and order, unlike citizens in several other countries.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message, said the situation in Sarawak should be attributed to Sarawakians’ respect for each other’s religion and culture.
Adenan pointed out that “Respecting each other’s religion, culture and tradition is better than having tolerance towards them because ‘tolerance’ requires the element of ‘force’.” Sarawakians are indeed fortunate because most are moderate, he added.
Sarawak comprises almost 40 ethnic groups and yet its people have always been living in racial harmony and peace.
Adenan stressed that the wars and killings in several countries reported in the foreign media and televisions should help to remind Sarawakians to cherish and uphold their unity and racial harmony .
“There is no denying that we have differences in opinions and views but these do not mean that we are unable to reach amicable agreement over things. Racial and religious harmony that we have built thus far should be our pride,” he said.
“Therefore, I reiterate my stand that I do not allow religious extremists and bigots as well as racists to enter our state. I do not want all these negative elements to disturb our religious and social harmony,” he said.
On another pertinent matter, Adenan said the state government would continue to focus on closing the economic gap between the urban and rural areas, as well as between the rich and poor.
The state is rich in natural resources and it had been utilising them sustainably and systematically in order to elevate the socio-economic status of the people, he said.
The question that should be given attention to now is whether the distribution of wealth is fair in closing the economic gap between the urban and rural areas, he said.
He pointed out the development in Sarawak Corridor Renewable Energy (Score) is the vital factor in contributing to achieving the objectives of Malaysia’s Vision 2020.
“I urge all Sarawakians, particularly the Bumiputeras and those in the rural areas to support the development policies of the government and also to intensify their participation in elevating the state’s enonomy,” he said.
The Chief Minister also invited all to his Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House.
Adenan and wife Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu will be holding their Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (or BCCK) on the first and second day of the celebration.
The Open house will start at 10.30am to 12.30pm (morning session) and at 2pm to 4pm (afternoon session) today (July 28) and from 10.30am to 1.30pm tomorrow (July 29).