Dr Chandra presents his book to Abang Johari (second left), witnessed by MBKS mayor James Chan (left) and Ik Pahon of Tourism Ministry.
KUCHING: The humble citizens of Kuching can hold their heads up high because Kuching will soon be declared the ‘City of Unity’.
Tourism and Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed pride and honour yesterday for the confidence shown by 1Malaysia Foundation for choosing Kuching as the City of Unity.
He highlighted that the recognition could perhaps be the first in the world according to Yayasan 1Malaysia Board of Trustees chairman and a Professor in Global Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia Dr Chandra Muzaffar.
“As such, on behalf of the state government, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to 1Malaysia Foundation. It is a great honour for the people in Sarawak especially Kuching,” he told a press conference after a meeting with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) at the council headquarters here.
The concept, he said, was suggested by 1Malaysia Foundation in which it has conducted studies in all cities in Malaysia to assess and identify cities with qualities rooted in unity.
“Apparently from the studies, it shows that Kuching has met all the strict criteria listed in the justifications, especially in terms of accepting cultural diversity, mutual understanding and true harmony,” he explained.
“The other criteria include city status, large ethnics and cultural diversity, good schooling system and so on,” he said.
He added that there was a city being declared ‘City of Compassion’ in other parts of the world.
With that achievement, Abang Johari pointed out that various activities and programmes will be rolled out in its efforts to spread the spirit of unity among the people of Sarawak and especially Kuching.
Among the activities planned will be an international forum on unity to be organised by 1Malaysia Foundation where international scholars will be invited to give talks and share experience on unity.
“This is not only in the context of Malaysia but rather the international dimension,” Abang Johari said.
“This is a very important forum to share our experience and vision as we will also be declaring a part of our city as cultural heritage site,” he added.
The heritage area where major places of worship sit within walking distance, he stressed, is where the significant traits and characteristics of a city with high tolerance for diversity can be seen.
“And there is of course our interaction among various communities – the Malay, Chinese, natives and even foreigners – the warmth hospitality like no other where even foreigners could feel a sense of belonging in the city,” he said.
“We also want to get young people to be involved through various competitions that could reflect our interactions with a diversity of people within our community which is embodied in our nation-building,” he added.
MBKS and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), he revealed, will also be planning for a lot of activities to showcase what this multiracial and religious state of Sarawak with one true united spirit has to offer, especially in August when Kuching celebrates City Day.
Later, Dr Chandra presented his book ‘A Plea for Empathy: A Quest for Malaysian Unity’ to Abang Johari.
Also present were MBKS Mayor Dato James Chan and Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon.