By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 16: While celebrating Malaysia Day, GPS leaders also expressed their hopes for for better things to come for Malaysians and Sarawak.
Among the issues which they hoped to benefit all Sarawakians in the next decade are for 100 per cent coverage for all basic amenities such as roads, electricity, water supply and Internet connectivity.
“My Merdeka birthday wishes for Sarawakians in Malaysia, for all the 5,000 over kampung, settlements, towns and longhouses in Sarawak be connected by roads, supplied with electricity and portable water by 2030. And a peaceful and stable political climate in 2020-2021.
“I also hope that most rural schools will be connected with Internet, so that when a health pandemic hits Malaysia and MCO (Movement Control Order) is enforced, Sarawak schools (sic) in rural areas are not deprived of their education. I hope that there will be better understanding between states and regions in Malaysia. May God bless us all,” expressed Parti Rakyat Sarawak president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing .
Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing reminded Malaysians that the original aim behind Malaysia’s formation was for the country’s long-term and continuous development through uniting the people and promoting the integration of its myriad of cultures.
“The peoples of Malaysia hail from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Yet, our different beliefs and creeds cannot erode the closeness of our national identity as we are all from the same soil, the same nation, and receive the same national education.
“Therefore, we must cherish and appreciate the hardworking people living and working peacefully in Malaysia over the years, accepting of each other’s customs and beliefs in a harmony that many countries can only envy,” Tiong added.
The Bintulu MP and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to People’s Republic of China pointed out that although domestic issues have been repeatedly distorted and manipulated by people with malicious intentions to agitate various communities, Malaysians must remember that a harmonious atmosphere is a vital cornerstone to keep stability in the country.
“We should accord mutual understanding and trust to each other. Any misunderstanding and conflict should be resolved amicably with an intention to constructive criticism.
“Let us all work together to lead the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) to new heights in the spirit of unity among all the leaders and remain a model for unity and harmony for our beloved people of Sarawak with our outstanding political achievements and a sincere commitment to serve the people. This way, the hearts of the people stay on the same path, working towards reviving the economy and revitalising social harmony for a brighter future.”
Tiong also expressed hope that GPS would be able to fulfill its commitment to the people, to take Sarawak to new heights, strive for the people’s rights, strengthen Sarawak’s sovereign status, and to catalyse again prosperity and progress.
Likewise, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy president Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem also hoped that peace and harmony will continue to prevail among Malaysians.
“I wish all my fellow Malaysians Happy Malaysia Day. Let us promote efforts that seek unity in our diversity of races and religions that should make us uniquely Malaysian. Let us stand united in love to build an ever greater and prosperous Malaysia,” expressed the Serian MP and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Meanwhile, GPS secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi wished for all Malaysians to be more responsible amidst growing religious and racial disenchantment.
“Let us be more responsible to the country. Do not dwell on too much on matters or issues that can cause us disunity, problems that can disrupt harmony.
“Let us not dwell too much into religious matters, ethnicity, things that where we are different and things that we tend to over-highlight with negativity which bring us no good at all, even damaging. So why not (be) looking ahead for Malaysia more positively,” he said.
Nanta, who is the grandson of the late Tun Jugah Barieng, one of the country’s founding fathers, also advised the people to be more conscientious in dealing with each other.
“If we know something is wrong, don’t do it, don’t say it. (But)…if we know something is good and helpful, (then) do it. This would make us a more responsible Malaysians,” added Nanta, who is also Kapit MP and the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. — DayakDaily
