By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 21: Thousands of people from all walks of life packed the road along Kuching Waterfront to witness Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah launch the National Unity Week celebration that kicked off here this morning.
Most visitors who came to be part of the event enjoyed themselves, particularly the message about living in unity, harmony, and tolerance, irrespective of race and religion, as the way forward.
They also hoped that the economy could recover soon and for a more affordable cost of living, and give the unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the opportunity to lift the country higher with a strong government based on the concept of Malaysia Madani.
Sarawakian youth Surai Abell said that the National Unity Week celebration from May 20 to 26 is a significant event.
He told DayakDaily that the programme showcases the meaning of unity and the value of harmony among the races in Malaysia.
“I am from Sri Aman and have driven from 6am to be here. As I see it from the perspective of the youth, the harmony we have here is strong, and it could be reflected in the traditional costumes of people from various races in the country.
“I even saw Portuguese attire worn by a group of ladies, who I believe are from Malacca,” he said.
Surai added that the event attracted many people who he believed also came to catch a glimpse of the King.
“Sarawakians like the Agong as His Majesty is said to be very humble.
“I hope the unity government under the leadership of the tenth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, can expedite our demands regarding Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” said Surai.
Sarawak Kabaddi Association president and Indian Association Kuching vice president S. Muthiah Pillai said the event is a good start and appreciated the federal and Sarawak governments for making Kuching the first city to kick off National Unity Week.
“This is how we promote unity and diversity. We should live in unity, harmony, and liberty. Sarawak is a role model. This is what makes us unique without dispute,” he shared.
A Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association member, Khairul Amiza, a Sabahan, feels he is at home and that the community here is not that different from Sabah.
“We East Malaysians are very tolerant as our hospitality is second to none, and we could be friends to everybody, and we all hope our friends from West Malaysia can learn from us,” he said.
A community leader and a retired civil servant from Lundu, Pemanca Allen Manium Enggang, said he supports the Sarawak government holding such an event.
“I am glad we can showcase our culture and traditions to the whole country and the world. This is the face of Sarawak. We must not forget our culture and tradition,” he said.
Businessman William Kon said National Unity Week is good for the region.
“We saw leaders from the federal government led by the prime minister, which is how he shows his respect for our Sarawak leaders in supporting him to lead our country.
“I see Sarawak as the ‘king maker’ for his government, which he agreed with. The federal government sees how we live in unity and could help the nation with our resources,” he said.
Kon said during the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has suffered and now needs a strong government to boost investors’ confidence and improve the economy to help the people.
“We have the assets that are for the people in the country, and we have to live in unity to be prosperous together,” he shared.
For people with disabilities, Donald Law said such a programme is the only way to create awareness and understanding about respect and the cultures and religions in Malaysia.
“I want this philosophy to apply to all people in Malaysia, including people with disabilities. We want people to treat us equally,” he said. — DayakDaily
