Abang Johari speaks at the opening ceremony. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The state government is finding ways to maintain Kuching’s ‘City of Unity’ status which was awarded in August for as long as possible.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, a few factors should be put in place if the city wanted to preserve the status.
Among them were harmony between people of all races and religions, political stability, fairness of administration, a variety of school systems (secular and vernacular), acceptance of mixed marriages and acceptance of all kinds of culture.
“Social unity is a vital factor in a diverse community living in a city. The various cultural heritages contribute to that as well,” he added.
Adenan also said a city should be dynamic in terms of its development and establishment.
This was so because current development demanded everyone to step up their efforts to achieve an optimum level of development.
“An urban development that abides to the best practices includes a few vital aspects. They are the physical aspects (in terms of adequate infrastructures), environmental aspects (which emphasises on clean and green concept), safety aspects (safe city concept) and social and cultural aspects,” he said.
There are also concepts for existing cities in the world today such as ‘Cities for People’, ‘Creative Cities’, ‘Future Cities’, ‘Digital Cities’ and ‘Global Cities’.
Other issues mentioned by the chief minister were social transformation, community involvement and volunteerism, social unity, a dynamic tourism industry, involvement of youngsters and the roles of local authorities and community members.
Adenan speech was read out by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg during the opening of ‘Towards Socially and Culturally Vibrant Cities and Town’ (Southern Zone) seminar here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said: “My ministry is facing many challenges which is why increased focus is being placed on the involvement of community leaders, voluntary groups, neighbourhood residents and civil associations in policy decision-making which directly affects their lives and service delivery, especially at the local level.
“All local governments should also play their role especially in becoming more open, responsive and effective as it can induce increased trusts and sense of ownership.”
He said when the public were involved, they would also feel a sense of public commitment and become more proactive in doing more for the community.
Wong’s text speech was read out by Assistant Minister of Community Services Datuk Peter Nansian.
The two-day seminar is jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak, which ends today (Nov 20).
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman and permanent secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development Datu Dr Penguang Manggil were also present at the function.