By Christopher Lidom and Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 10: All 31 races living in harmony and respecting each other is what makes Sarawak unique, says Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts said this unity in diversity has become a point of pride for Sarawak.
He said this during the launching ceremony of the 14th edition of the Malaysia State Foundation Inter-State Sports Festival (PESAYA) here streamed live via Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today.
Citing an example of one of the uniqueness in Sarawak, Karim said in Sarawak, it is common to see a Malay food stall standing next to a Chinese food stall.
However, he said, it should not be cause for worry.
“My friends from my former university in the peninsula, when they come to Sarawak, I always bring them to eat ‘Bak Kut Teh’, which is a halal type made of beef.
“It is to show them the uniqueness of Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the 14th edition of PESAYA, Karim, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, hoped that the competition would strengthen the relationship between all participants.
He said in sporting events, victory is not the only thing that matters.
“Apart from standing on the podium, another important thing is to strengthen the relationships among participants.
“We are one Malaysia and I hope that we can achieve integration to strengthen the relationship between states in Malaysia,” he added.
The 14th edition of PESAYA will be held starting Feb 10 until 19 with a participation from a total of 1,131 athletes from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu, and Federal Territories.
They will compete in Football, Badminton, Handball, Netball, Volleyball, Tenpin Bowling, Darts, E-Sports, Futsal, Golf, Carom, Petanque, Ping Pong and Sepak Takraw events.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
