TYT attributes state’s progress to every S’wakian

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Abang Johari (second left) presents angpow to a recipient as Tony (third left), Taib (fourth left), Raghad (fourth right) and other guests of honour look on.

KUCHING: The progress enjoyed in the state is the fruit of collaboration among everyone in Sarawak and not because of the efforts of any particular race.

Citing an example, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said though the Chinese Muslims were only a minority group they also had their fair share of contribution to the state.

“As a multicultural state, we have to rely on each other as we pave our way to modernisation, both in the urban and the rural. All have their fair share of roles and there is no one left behind,” he added.

Stressing that everything achieved in the state was through teamwork and unity of the people, and not because of any single individual’s effort, Taib said this was what made Sarawak so special.

The Head of State was speaking at the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma) Sarawak branch dinner at Hilton Hotel on Saturday.

“Therefore, it is important for everyone in the state to continue the successful recipe of unity as it is the catalyst towards everything that we can achieve.

“Despite the differences in race and belief, we still can work together and find a common goal which makes this special for the state,” he said.

He reminded everyone, including the Chinese Muslims in the state, that despite celebrating their differences, one should not lose sight of their cultural traits and continue to practise and live their lives according to their customs.

On another matter, Taib called on Macma Sarawak to attract more Chinese Muslims to be part of the association.

“Look for those who are in the professional field and get them to share their thoughts and be part of Macma. This will ensure that this association will always be relevant to the Chinese Muslim community in the state,” he said.

More than 500 members of Macma Sarawak attended the Chinese New Year dinner.

Also present were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Rural Electricity Assistant Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Macma state president Mohamad Tony Ong Abdullah.