(From left) ASP Gregory, Jefferson and Dirwana performing the cake-cutting ceremony as Siti Nor Fatimah looks on.
KAPIT: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has been hailed for his unwavering stand on safeguarding the values of respect, harmony, unity, tolerance and dignity in every Sarawakian.
“We are fortunate to have a very caring and understanding state leader. As such, we as citizens should also inculcate these values in ourselves,” political secretary to chief minister Jefferson Jamit told guests after officiating at ‘Malam Apresiasi Rukan Tetangga Bahagian Kapit 2015’ organised by the divisional National Unity and Integration Department at Dewan Sri Baleh here last Saturday.
According to him, the people here have been upholding the spirit of 1Malaysia since the olden days.
“Our ancestors practised these values, stressing on respect and co-operation between one another irrespective of race or religion. As such, we are proud to have been called the role model of such unity and integration spirit,” he said.
On this, Jefferson believed that all these noble values could be further strengthened through ‘Rukun Tetangga’ (Neighbourhood Committee, or RT).
“The National Unity and Integrity Department has set out clear goals for RTs, aimed at inculcating high spirit of volunteerism through various activities — among them are neighbourhood watch, community policing and community patrolling.
“These programmes are designed to encourage members of all communities to cooperate and work closely with one another in keeping undesirable social menaces such as drug abuse or thefts at bay,” he said.
In this respect, Jefferson lauded the department for its effort in increasing the number of local RTs from four to the current 20.
“Tonight’s event recognises the contributions of RT members who have played their role commendably. Such honour is aimed at further motivating the recipients as well as other RT members to do more for their respective communities.
“Nevertheless, we must not forget the invaluable contributions of the Civil Defence Department and police in upholding law and order as well as security for the communities.”
The event, themed ‘Making Unity A Culture, Celebrating Diversity’, was also attended by over 200 guests including state National Unity and Integrity Department director Dirwana Azool, Kapit Unity officer Siti Nor Fatimah, ASP Gregory Emelio, ASP Jawie Hamata as well as RT chairmen Ma Tian Ho of the Southern Region, Wilfred Billy Panyau (Eastern Region), Sham Rawi (Bletih) and Tan Bukok (Selirik).
Both Jefferson and Dirwana also presented the letters of appreciation to those who have continuously contributed towards the well-being of their respective RTs.