CM: Don’t sideline other communities

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Abang Johari (third right) and Awang Tengah (third left) arranging bamboo segments to open the SAMArindok Aidilfitri celebration. Also seen are Abdul Karim (left) and Juma’ani (second left). — Photos by Chimon Upon

Abang Johari (left), Awang Tengah (right) and Naroden (centre) dancing to the tune of Raya songs.

KUCHING: The Malay community must stay united and keep advancing without sidelining other ethnic communities to move forward and thrive in this highly competitive and modern age.

This piece of advice came from Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who reminded that unity gives strength and enables resilience, come rain or shine.

Elaborating on the setup of cultural foundations in Sarawak where respective ethnic groups can focus on their own development but at the same time come together to bridge differences, he revealed that the idea came from Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, when he was the chief minister.

“The idea came from the confluence of river concept which refers to the point where two or more streams or rivers meet to become one larger river,” he said in his address at Sarawak Malay Culture Foundation (AKYBMS) SAMArindok Aidilfitri celebration at a leading hotel here Tuesday night.

In other words, Abang Johari emphasised, it meant the merging and coming together of people, factors, ideas, components and cultures in this diverse state of Sarawak.

“We want to gather our treasures, our cultures, our wisdoms to develop our own community while cooperating with other ethnic communities. This is the reality,” he said.

“We are successful because we are grateful, because we have our own approach to help ourselves. If we are successful, it is due to our contribution and effort,” he added, urging those who have failed not to blame others but instead reflect on themselves.

He reminded that the Malay community could come together as brothers and sisters to guard and care for one another because they were guided by the teachings of Islam.

“As such, we need to work together to lift each other up and be successful… be one voice, one rhythm, one tone because when we are out of tune, the melody is not nice to hear,” he urged.

Fortunately, he said, the Malays were successful because they were united in their struggle to protect and advance the interests of the Muslim community such as the development of Baitulmal Building through tithe collection.

He also praised the Dayaks for embedding the spirit of togetherness that has allowed them to strive toward common goals and bring benefits to all.

“In the spirit of fairness, I have also allocated a piece of land at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee for the Dayak Cultural Foundation as well. This is how we are fair in administering ourselves and our state,” he added.

Reiterating the importance of digital technology for Sarawak to advance and progress, he pointed out that knowledge is power for the Malay people and Sarawak to achieve greater success in this modern era.

“Digital technology is colour-blind, whoever command it will be in the forefront. They don’t see our backgrounds. So we can and must continue to develop ourselves. With knowledge, the Malays can also give birth to many Jack Ma in the future,” he said, referring to the internet tycoon’s rags-to-riches story.

He urged the Malay community to make education a priority because only knowledge, skills and preparation will enable them to face future challenges and seize opportunities created by ICT and digital technologies.

“This is our hope, our dream but most importantly our unity which is the pillar of our strength. When given the power to lead, we must use it fairly to serve all so that others are confident to support us.

“These are the values of Islamic teachings we must uphold,” he added.

He also stressed that it is essential to safeguard the vibrant cultures in Sarawak that has enabled stability for the people to live in peace and harmony.

Abang Johari reiterated his reminder to Malays to unite under one umbrella so as to move forward collectively.

“With this team, we can manage ourselves as well as other ethnic groups properly because only unity will lead us towards our common goals and dreams. I will continue to support the foundation,” he concluded.

Earlier on, he approved RM5 million for the foundation.

Abang Johari’s wife Datin Amar Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees; Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Assistant E-Commerce Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais were among those present.