KUCHING: The practice of carrying lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival is Chinese by origin but here in Sarawak, it has become a symbol of unity.
This was manifested in the participation of more than 3,000 people from various ethnic and religious groups in the Lantern of Unity procession held last night.
The procession which was held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival, covered a distance of one kilometer, starting from Sarawak Plaza and ended at Grand Margherita Hotel.
Leading the procession was Tan Kai, a political secretary to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the procession was also held in celebration of the declaration of Kuching as a ‘City of Unity’ and to celebrate the unity and harmony enjoyed by city folk.
“Let us all celebrate Kuching as the City of Unity, and to foster unity and understanding through the participation of cultural events amongst the various local communities. Racial and religious unity is Sarawak’s main strength that no other states in Malaysia can claim to have. So let us continue to preserve our racial harmony and not disunity which will create instability in Sarawak,” Tan Kai said.
Tourists from various countries were also seen participating in the event.
