By Christine T
KUCHING, Nov 4: Kuching’s iconic white cat statue at Jalan Padungan has once again donned its festive best, this time in a traditional sari, as Deepavali lights and decorations transform the familiar landmark into a colourful celebration of Sarawak’s unity and cultural diversity.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated at the simple lighting ceremony alongside Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, said the annual tradition of dressing up the statue for major celebrations reflected the State’s spirit of togetherness.
He said although the Indian community in Sarawak was relatively small, it remained an important part of the State and its people.
“Even though the Indian community in Sarawak is not very big, it is still part of anak (children) Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim thanked MBKS for ensuring the white cat statue was decorated according to the respective festivals, including Chinese New Year, Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya and Deepavali.
He said inviting members of the Indian community to take part in the decorations and lighting ceremony was also a meaningful gesture of respect towards their traditions.
Dr Sim added that Sarawak’s unity, harmony and stability were among the qualities admired by others, but cautioned that these should never be taken for granted.
Pointing to conflicts and divisions happening in other parts of the world, he said extremism and attempts to stir racial and religious issues could have far-reaching consequences.
“We should never ever take for granted our unity, our harmony and our stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wee said the white cat statue had become a unique landmark in Kuching, with its festive attire changing to reflect the celebrations of the State’s different communities.
He jokingly remarked that the statue was probably the only cat in the world dressed in such elaborate festive outfits.
Wee said Deepavali’s message of good triumphing over evil and light overcoming darkness was particularly meaningful in Sarawak’s multicultural society.
With the coming State election potentially bringing different issues to the forefront, he urged the public not to overreact to matters that could affect the harmony enjoyed by Sarawakians.
Instead, he called on everyone to be a source of light to those in need by showing greater care, compassion and love.
“What I hope is that everybody can be the light, to shine on all those people who really need our help,” he said.
Wee also expressed appreciation to the Indian community for its contributions to nation-building over the years, saying its members had long been an integral part of Sarawak. –DayakDaily
