KIFU participants reading the messages of unity on the KIFU wall. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Sarawakians’ readiness to trust one another and staying united towards a common objective has enabled Sarawak to become one of the most peaceful and united states in the country.
Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said these two attributes had transformed the state into a thriving and united one.
“Sarawakians are progressive. Irrespective of their religious beliefs and racial backgrounds, they have this voluntary culture embedded in them. There’s no question of force in our interactions …it’s all voluntary,” he said at the Kuching International Forum on Unity (KIFU) held in conjunction with the declaration of Kuching as a ‘City of Unity’ at a leading hotel here yesterday.
Abang Johari, who was representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, said the level of trust Sarawakians had for one another was an attribute that the people had inherited from their forefathers.
“Apart from sharing a common objective or rhythm, we must also trust each other. Though trust is not something that is easily built, but when you have that common trust for one another, then you will have confidence in the person.”
He noted that the various racial groups had common trust for each other.
“The Chinese trust the Malays, the Malays trust the Chinese, and likewise for the other races in the state. This is what we have been doing in Sarawak, so much so that we have so many festivals where our people will come together to celebrate, like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and even Gawai Dayak.
“Sarawakians know the sensitivities of the various races, and we respect each other’s culture. That is the very ingredient that built up our trust for one another.”
Abang Johari recalled that when the state was under British colonial rule, the British administrators had a unique way of keeping the native
people united and friendly toward one another through organising the now famous Sarawak Regatta.
“In a longboat rowing event, a team can only make it to the podium if all paddlers paddle in one common rhythm and direction and nothing else.
“Using this analogy, Sarawakians of all races and religions too can reach their common goal of a united, progressive and peaceful Sarawak by moving similarly forward.”
On Kuching’s declaration as a ‘City of Unity’ by the 1Malaysia Foundation, Abang Johari extended his appreciation on behalf of the state government for the recognition.
“The foundation has been studying all cities in Malaysia, and they concluded that Kuching is a city that has all these ingredients for unity.
“We would like to see the spirit of Kuching be emulated in other parts of Malaysia as the country can only be a successful nation if its various races and religious faiths can work together to have that common grasp.”
Also present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Rural Areas) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, 1Malaysia Foundation chairman Dr Chandra Muzaffar and 1Malaysia Foundation Board of Trustees member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.