By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Jan 22: Sarawakians of all races should continue to nuture the spirit of togetherness and unity from the early age, says Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting.
“We have been living together peacefully all these years….we have never had any issues about religion or culture; that is why we must continue this peace and harmony,” he opined.
Ting disclosed this today to reporters after performing a lion dance eye dotting ceremony for Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Chung Hua Miri.
Citing the lion dance as a medium which could help promote unity amongst various ethnic groups, Ting said, even though it is Chinese culture, but it is also enjoyed by other ethnic groups.
“Lion dance has been in our country for many years….and in Sarawak, we have carried on with this Chinese cultural practice until now and we will continue to share to other ethnic groups about the lion dance,” he said.
On another note, Ting reiterated that his ministry will look into the criteria and procedures to get Sarawak’s open house culture recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as part of the world’s intangible culture heritage.
Also present at the lion dance eye dotting ceremony were the school’s board of directors deputy chairman Chai Min Kian, the school’s principal Albert Ong Ngre Hong and his vice-principal Lai Jia Ling. — DayakDaily
