KUCHING, Dec 15: An extra public holidays to cater for major cultural and religious activities in Sarawak like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Hari Gawai Dayak and Chinese New Year reflects the state’s multi-religious and cultural characteristics.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing opined giving each group equal time to celebrate their festivities is not only a reflection of a just and fair government but show its sensitivity to the needs of its people.
“This is the consideration that allows Sarawak to have religious harmony over the years,” he asserted in a statement today.
Masing opined that working all the time and with no sense of human needs is not good for any community and that human beings are only productive if allowed to be happy and contented.
“As thesaying goes, ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’, ” he added.
Masing’s statement follows Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s remark yesterday that he would consult with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders about gazetting an extra public holiday for Christmas celebrations in Sarawak.
He said that he could not decide on the public holiday as the matter must be discussed and needed to be referred to the state gazette.
Four days ago, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Mohd Aqdal announced an extra public holiday on December 24 on Christmas Eve for Sabah starting this year. — DayakDaily
