By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 1: It was Sarawakians’ strong resilience, willingness to sacrifice and strong collaboration through the tough two-year Covid-19 pandemic which has enabled Sarawak to bounce back and come together again for festive celebrations.
Emphasising this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that being able to get-together again since Hari Raya Aidilfitri and now Gawai Dayak is a huge relief for every Sarawakian.
“This is all due to the people of Sarawak who have demonstrated significant resilience through the pandemic as they were prepared to sacrifice and work together.
“This is the spirit that we want to maintain as we move forward together towards a better future,” he told the press at the Gawai Dayak open house hosted by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Dayak leaders at the Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK) here today.
As the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, Uggah knew very well how tough it was for the past two years as there was much frustration, disappointment, as well as loss of jobs and business opportunities.
“People’s lives have been impacted by two years of the pandemic and restrictions. We have somehow won and the victory is very much an effort by everyone from the government to SDMC and the rakyat, all working together.
“Now that we are moving towards endemicity with most restrictions eased, the festive celebrations all over Sarawak including the Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a big relief for everyone,” he added.
Today’s Gawai Dayak celebration and open house, Uggah pointed out, demonstrated Sarawak’s unity in diversity in working together towards a better future for Sarawak and Sarawakians.
“The most important thing is to solidify our efforts and energy to make sure PCDS (Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030 will be achieved which requires the unity of the people,” he said.
Expressing his delight to see many people of all races, religions and backgrounds at the open house, he remarked: “As you know, Sarawakians are very supportive of each other. They are here not only to join in the festivities but to cement our ties and solidarity with one another.”
With such deep understanding, relationship with and acceptance of each other, Uggah said Sarawakians are not only able to live peacefully and harmoniously together, but will be able to overcome any challenge ahead.
While the pandemic situation has improved and Sarawak is transitioning to endemicity, he however reminded all of the need to continue to remain cautious because Covid-19 still exists within the community.
“But if we all do our part like we did in the past, I am sure we can continue with our lives and live as normally as possible,” he said.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, cabinet ministers, elected Sarawak Legislative Assembly representatives, community leaders, representatives from various organisations and associations and members of the public were among those present. — DayakDaily
