By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 29: Sarawak’s reputation for unity and cultural diversity has led it to be chosen to host the national-level Unity Week, which will be officiated by the Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim on May 15.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Federal leaders including the current prime minister has acknowledged Sarawak as a model region to host the event.
“This recognition is of high value because Sarawakians are always united despite their diverse backgrounds and religions. There is no difference between us despite our different religions.
“We live in a big family. Like the saying goes, if you pinch the left, the right will also feel the pain and vice versa,” he said when officiating at the Kaul Festival 2023 at Mukah today.
As such, Abang Johari reiterated the importance of safeguarding and preserving Sarawak’s values and unique culture including the Melanau culture which is an integral part of Sarawak.
He noted that the Kaul Festival has grown to become one of the most unique attractions in the region and due to this, a new Mukah airport has been planned.
“This is part of the process for infrastructures that must be developed to bring people together as well as to attract more visitors to share with us in festival celebrations and community-based activities offered throughout Sarawak,” he added.
As Sarawak’s economy is shifting towards the new economy with Sarawak seen as a reference point for Putrajya, Abang Johari urged Sarawakians to continue developing themselves to a higher level, in terms of standards of living and the economy.
“When I first launched the digital economy, people were skeptical but Covid-19 pandemic has proven just how important digitalisation is because nearly every part of our lives depended on it, from connecting with our loved ones to conducting business transactions,” he added.
Federal Deputy Minister of Economy and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Corporate Affairs and Ukas Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Juanda Jaya, and Sarawak Melanau Association president cum organising chairman of Kaul Festival 2023 Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad were present. — DayakDaily
