Dr Toyad (second right) presenting bursary award to a recipient witnessed by Abdullah (right), Ahmad Lai (third left), Alexander (second left) and others.
MIRI: The Melanau associations are urged to work closely with other races or ethnic-based associations towards a common goal of turning Sarawak into high income state by 2030.
Federation of Melanau Associations Sarawak president Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad stressed such commitment was vital in helping the state government to achieve the aspiration.
Speaking at the Miri Melanau Association’s 3rd Triennial General Meeting (TGM) at Miri Melanau Complex’s Seri Balau Hall recently, Dr Toyad who is also Member of Parliament for Mukah, said the spirit of working together with other communities would further enhance the racial unity and harmony in the state.
“While fighting for the Melanau community interest, it is also essential that we promote the goodwill spirit with other communities in order to ensure the activity that we conduct will receive good support from others and vice versa.”
He urged Melanaus living in rural areas to sign up as members of the association in their respective area.
He told them that the association is the platform for members to voice out their problems apart from preserving their traditional culture and heritage.
“Culture is our identity, thus it is important for us to safeguard and preserve the culture from being forgotten due to modern living especially among the young generation.”
Earlier, president of Miri Melanau Association Dato Alexander Maiyor called on members to stay united to enable the association achieve greater things in future.
At the function, members celebrated Mother’s Day especially for mothers who attended the TGM.
After the traditional cake cutting ceremony plus giving away carnation flowers to the mothers, Toyad on behalf of the association presented bursary awards to those children who excelled in their respective public examinations.
Also present were Member of Parliament for Sibuti Ahmad Lai Bujang who is also advisor to the Miri Melanau Association and deputy president of Miri Melanau Association councilor Abdullah Jaini.