Wee (centre) and others pose during the festive open house at the MBKS compound. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Feb 4): Sarawakians must not lose sight of the importance of retaining their cultural identity to continue promoting unity and nurturing friendship, said Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
He said Sarawak has been admired by many for its racial harmony and for this reason, Sarawakians must make greater efforts in interracial interaction.
“The more we mix and integrate, the more we know about one another and have friends belonging to different races. In this way, we are less likely to misunderstand the actions of one another or to form any wrong image of our fellow citizens through stereotyping.
“Everyone of us therefore has a part to play in preserving our unity and strengthening our cohesion,” he said at a Lunar New Year open house hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today.
Wee said Sarawakians have so much to be thankful for as the government is very mindful of the problems faced by them as well as their needs and will help the people of Sarawak to live a more meaningful and comfortable life.
“The government has spelt out its vision to make Sarawak a land of opportunity. In the past, many people from the surrounding region came to Sarawak to seek a better life.
“With the progress that we have made in 60 years of independence, we have established a firm foundation for peace and prosperity,” he said.
The mayor believed that individuals who are prepared to work hard will be able to succeed and do well in the state.
He pointed out that the needy, the elderly and the underprivileged in the state have not been neglected as assistance has been rendered to them.
“If we all work together in the coming years to make Sarawak a land of opportunity, we will be able to ensure a better life for ourselves and our children,” he said.
Wee took the opportunity to thank STF for its efforts and initiative in promoting and marketing tourism products in the state.
He noted that the federation had been working hard after the tourism sector had been affected during the pandemic.
“The closing of borders did affect a lot of people especially in the tourism industry. But tremendous efforts and continuous engagement by STF has helped our tourism sector to slowly boom again like the old days,” he said.
He hoped that the Year of the Rabbit will see all gallop into the new year with confidence and camaraderie, harmony arises from the ability to appreciate different culture as well as uphold mutual respect.
“Let’s continue our efforts in unity in diversity and harmony,” Wee added.