Wee (third left) tries his hand at playing the engkerumong, a traditional percussion instrument, during the pre-Gawai celebration at Kampung Sungai Laru.
KUCHING (May 29): Sarawak’s unique multicultural harmony remains one of the state’s greatest strengths and must continue to be preserved and nurtured for future generations, said Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
He made the remarks during a pre-Gawai celebration hosted by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sungai Laru here on Thursday night.
Wee said the event was more than a festive gathering filled with food, music and entertainment as it also served as a platform to strengthen friendships, mutual respect and unity among people of different races, cultures and religions.
The celebration also featured the presentation of educational incentive awards to outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 students from Kampung Sungai Laru.
Wee congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to continue pursuing education as a pathway to a brighter future.
“Community development should not focus solely on physical infrastructure, but also on strengthening relationships and improving the well-being of residents through programmes that engage youth, women, senior citizens and children,” he said.
During the event, Wee also took the opportunity to recognise the invaluable role of mothers in building strong families and resilient communities.
He described mothers as the backbone of every household through their sacrifices, love, care and guidance.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers, community leaders, volunteers, sponsors and residents whose collective efforts contributed to the success of the celebration.
“The strong participation and cooperation demonstrated by the community reflect the importance of maintaining unity in creating a safer, healthier and happier living environment,” he said.
Wee reaffirmed the Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) commitment to working closely with local communities to implement development projects and community-based initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, environmental cleanliness programmes and improvements to public facilities.