By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 2: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has expressed pride in Sarawak’s increased international visibility as a result of events such as the Seng Ong Kong deity birthday procession, emphasising the State’s global significance and a sense of accomplishment among Sarawakians.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, praised Sarawak’s role as a unifying force, attracting people from all over Malaysia to witness and participate in the procession, which represents unity and collective effort in nation-building.
“Sarawakians, we did it! Today, Sarawak serves as a beacon for people from all over Malaysia who come to watch and participate in the procession, whether they are locals, from Sabah, or from Peninsular Malaysia. It represents nation-building and unity,” he proudly stated during his speech at the Seng-Ong Deity Birthday Procession Thank You Dinner, held tonight at a local restaurant.
The Deputy Premier further emphasised the procession’s importance in the larger goal of nation-building, demonstrating how the event contributes to Sarawak’s collective progress and identity.
Dr Sim also outlined ambitious goals for Sarawak’s development, aiming for substantial increases in household income by 2030 through strategic investments in key sectors such as banking, ports, and aviation.
The Seng Ong Kong deity birthday procession held on March 31 was touted as the largest Chinese temple procession of the year in Sarawak, with 212 contingents and more than 20,000 participants crowding Hong San Si Temple on Jalan Wayang here and the surrounding streets.
The Seng Ong Kong deity birthday procession this year not only featured the largest number of teams, but there were also other racial groups participating in the procession. — DayakDaily
