Kapit a big melting pot of cultures, says Nanta

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Nanta strikes the drum to declare open the dinner. From left are Elvis, Belayong, Calvin Kong (Miri Kwang Tung Association chairman), Kong Sien Hua, Jamit, Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo, Kapitan Yiap Yii Hoo, Pemanca Yong Thu Fook and Douglas.

KAPIT: Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi described Kapit as a big melting pot of all cultures.

He made this remark when officiating at the joint installation of new office bearers of Kapit Kwang Tung Association’s main body, women wing and youth wing for the 2017-2018 term at the Civic Centre here on Saturday.

“In Kapit we are one big melting pot of all cultures and whatever you call it we just become one. It doesn’t matter whether you are Chinese, Malay, Iban or Orang Ulu, we understand each other very well and we never quarrelled,” he said.

He named former Pelagus assemblymen Datuk Sng Chee Hua and Larry Sng Wei Shien (2001) as examples of this unity among the various races because even though they were Chinese they were able to be elected and serve as elected representatives in the predominantly Iban constituency.

“In politics, we understand each other very well. Sometimes, we think we should teach the whole of Malaysia on how to live in harmony. As you can see tonight – the Kwang Tung Association installation night – everybody would come. When we have Chiang Chuan Association, Foochow Association and SDNU dinners and other community dinners the same people would come, which shows that we are indeed living very peacefully among one another,” he said.

Nanta had a hard time choosing which language to use to deliver his speech because he wanted everyone present to understand what he was about to say.

“If I were to speak in Iban perhaps only the Chinese from Kapit would understand. If I were to speak in Mandarin, you may not be able to understand as my Chinese is difficult for you to understand. If I were to speak Bahasa Malaysia, I don’t think all of us will understand.

“I had a little bit too much Bahasa Malaysia in Parliament the past few weeks. So I want to take a little leave from Bahasa Malaysia. Tonight, maybe I just speak in English and I hope everyone will understand, even a little bit,” said Nanta, noting that when delivering his welcoming speech, the organising chairman Kapitan Kong Cheak He spoke better Iban than himself.

He thanked the association for inviting him and friends from Kanowit, Sibu and Bintulu and members of Miri Kwang Tung Association to the dinner.

Later, he announced a grant of RM30,000 for the association to start its Children Education Fund in addition to RM10,000 for the association’s activities.

Among those at the dinner were Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong, Kapit district officer Elvis Didit, Bukit Mabong district officer Douglas Pungga, organising chairman Kapitan Kong Cheak He, Kapit Kwang Tung Association chairman Kong Sien Hua, local community leaders and heads of other local associations

The main committee members pose with VIP guests. Seated from left are Pemanca Yong Thu Fook, Douglas, Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo, Jamit, Nanta, Kong Sien Hua, Belayong, Elvis, Penghulu Sia Shui Poh and Kapitan Kong Cheak He.