By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 16: Sarawak will not scale down its major tourism and cultural events despite calls for government spending prudence, says Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He stressed that large-scale festivals serve the public and should be organised “full swing” rather than in a reduced or “ala kadar” manner.
“Why should we go modest? When you organise an event, you should go full swing.
“The whole purpose of having events, whether entertainment or food and cultural festivals, is for the public,” he told reporters during a press conference held at Baitulmakmur 2 building today.
He was responding to a reporter’s query whether Sarawak’s seven major events including the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) would be organised on a more modest scale following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for modest spending.
Abdul Karim further said cutting back on such events would defeat their purpose, as they are platforms for showcasing Sarawak’s culture, cuisine and performing arts to visitors and locals alike.
“If it’s a food and cultural festival, we organise it so the public can try and taste our food and see our culture. If it’s RWMF or other musical events, we want the performers to show their best, not halfway,” he added.
However, he said moderation could still be practised in other areas, particularly during festive open house celebrations.
“For Hari Raya open houses, we can be a bit moderate. There’s no need to spend too much.
“Previously maybe we had 10 dishes on the menu; it is possible to reduce it to five,” he explained.
Abdul Karim also noted that the federal government’s directive on spending prudence does not apply to Sarawak, as the State government and its agencies have their own approach to managing such matters.
On Hari Raya open houses, he said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is not expected to host one this year.
According to him, the decision had already been made earlier as the Premier is still observing a period of mourning following the passing of his wife, the late Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, within the past year.
He also said Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is expected to host an open house, possibly at the Astana Negeri, although official details will be announced later.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said ministers and politicians in the State will still hold their own open houses, either privately or through their respective ministries.
“After one month of fasting, it is only proper that we celebrate and share the joy with other communities in Sarawak,” he said.
As for a State-level Hari Raya open house organised by the Sarawak government, he said he has yet to receive confirmation and it is possible that there may not be one this year.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick. — DayakDaily
