KUCHING, April 2: Sarawak is a region (‘wilayah’) within Malaysia and not a state, acknowledges Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
As it still takes getting used to, Muhyiddin apologised if he kept addressing Sarawak as a “state” when praising Sarawak for being an exemplary entity that embraces racial and religious harmony as a way of life.
“Because of that, I feel quite proud when I am in Sarawak, a state, sorry, a ‘wilayah’. I think from now on, we should not forget that and keep reminding that this (Sarawak) is not a state, it is a ‘wilayah’.
“When I sat inside the car with Abang Jo (Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) and (Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar) Awang Tengah (Ali Hasan) just now, I felt like it (Sarawak) is a great ‘region’. I cannot say it is a ‘state’.
“It’s big and (its) population is not much, but it has become an example of unity and harmony for multiracial ethnicity. This is what Malaysia is all about,” said Muhyiddin while speaking at the ‘PM’s Luncheon with Community Leaders’ function held this afternoon at a hotel here.
Muhyiddin pointed out that Sarawak has unity in diversity, proving such a way of life is possible.
“Regardless of background, and wherever we are, we have that spirit of unity and solidarity that is solid and strong.
“And because of that, Sarawak has become a developed state where the people always stay united,” said Muhyiddin.
Yesterday, Muhyiddin said he recognised Sarawak as a region as under Malaysia Agreement 1963 during a townhall session in Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
His two-day visit to Sarawak ends today. — DayakDaily
