By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 29: Despite forming only about 10 per cent each of Asajaya’s population, the Dayak and Chinese communities continue to play an important role in shaping a united and developing society, said Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim, who also serves as Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, praised Asajaya’s harmonious community spirit and inclusive social fabric during the district-level Ngiling Tikai 2025 ceremony at Sampun Jugu Village Hall yesterday (June 28).
He highlighted that Sarawak’s unique identity stems from its cultural diversity, reflected in the celebration of various religious and traditional festivals by people of different races, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report.
“The cultural diversity and religious festivals celebrated by various races in Sarawak are a uniqueness that should be preserved and used as the basis for the harmony and prosperity of Sarawak,” he said.
He added that such unity was clearly reflected in the evening’s celebration, where people of different backgrounds gathered in solidarity.
“We see tonight, all races sitting together — Iban, Chinese, Malay — shoulder to shoulder. This is a reflection of the unity that we need to maintain,” he said.
Abdul Karim also emphasised that when people respect each other’s beliefs and celebrations, it strengthens peace and contributes to the State’s continued prosperity.
“Each religion and race has its own celebration such as Gawai Dayak, Christmas, and Aidilfitri. When we respect each other, Sarawak will continue to be peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
The ceremony, organised by the Asajaya District Office, also marked the official closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration at the district level.
It was graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament, Datuk Rubiah Wang.
In his speech, Abdul Karim also touched on Asajaya’s growing significance within the Kuching development corridor, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors which supply food to the city and support the local economy.
He further revealed that several mega projects are being planned in Tanjung Embang, including the construction of a new airport and port, which are expected to become catalysts for rural economic growth in the next two to three years.
“If this plan continues, we will see a bridge built from Tanjung Embang to two artificial islands, connecting them to Tambirat and Sambir. This area has the potential to become a satellite town,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, Deputy Resident of Samarahan Division Rais Ahmat, Asajaya District Officer Jerry Zannuddin Bidin, Temenggong of the Malay Community Chek Bujang, Temenggong of the Iban Community Mohad @ Geoffrey Mamat Kuchai, and Temenggong of the Chinese Community Liew Shark Sen. — DayakDaily
