By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 11: The maiden Sarawak Cultural Arts Festival at Miri Civic Centre took off on Saturday night (Dec 10) with an overwhelming audience turnout.
The two-day festival features a total of 173 participants from 18 different Sarawak ethnic associations, showcasing their cultural dances.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, who officiated at the opening of the festival was impressed as it managed to feature a number of different ethnic groups from across Sarawak.
“This is a remarkable historic moment. This has shown a real harmonious atmosphere which only one can see in Sarawak. The ministry would like to see more of these multi-cultural events organised,” he said, adding that Sarawak has 34 ethnic groups.
“We are one family. We love our family. We respect each other and live in harmony. We never create issues. Through the challenging work of various ethnic groups, we have created another milestone, and have given a great impetus to the development of Sarawak, which is worthy of appreciation,” he pointed out.
Thus, Sebastian expressed his hope that this festival could become a yearly event.
The festival is co-organised by Sarawak Chinese Association, Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak Malaysia (Forum), Miri Indian Association, Miri Sikh Association, Miri Dayak Association, Miri Melanau Association, Miri Malay Association, Miri Shop Association, Miri Bidayuh Dayak Association, Sarawak Kenyah National Association, Sarawak Kayan Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Rurum Kelabit Association, Persatuan Berawan Sarawak, Sarawak Lun Bawang Association, Sarawak Lakiput Association, Sarawak Tipun Penan Development Association, and Sarawak Saban Association.
Also present at the launching were Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Miri Resident Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf and the event’s organising chairman Denry Ting Tiew Kieng. — DayakDaily
