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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 6: Budget is of secondary importance as the grand celebration of ’60 Years of Sarawak Independence’ embodies the unity of Sarawak and acknowledges the remarkable achievements along the way.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted this without disclosing the expenses incurred for the month-long celebration which commenced with a statewide convoy and digital exhibition beginning from Lawas on May 28 with events set to culminate in a climatic convergence on the eve of Sarawak Day (July 21).
“Those preoccupied with money matters are only the opposition.
“What’s more important of this celebration is Sarawak’s journey of achievements and struggles for the past 60 years. Today, there are no animosity among our 34 ethnic groups recognised in the constitution,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting on the ’60 Years of Sarawak’ Merdeka celebration at his office in Baitulmakmur Building here today.
Abdul Karim emphasised that the unity in Sarawak is evident including in the last State election where Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secured 92 per cent of the popular vote and won 76 out of 82 seats.
“This remarkable achievement reflects our unity. Given this, it is only fair to celebrate Sarawak’s diamond jubilee on a grand scale.
“We don’t just spend money on elections. Moreover, all planned events and expenses within the government, including departments and agencies, are all audited. We are subject to financial requirements and it is not like we can take the money and put into our pockets,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that Sarawak government’s expenditure for this grand affair is justified, as all Sarawakians deserve this celebration to acknowledge their struggles, achievements and accomplishments over the past six decades.
“This is mainly a Sarawak event. This is our way of uniting ourselves and foster appreciation among ourselves without any hidden agenda,” he added.
Meanwhile, the convoy which has been making stops in each division in Sarawak, is scheduled to arrive in Kuching on July 20, with over 3,000 participants.
The 60 Years of Sarawak Independence celebration will reach its peak with a thanksgiving ceremony by the Sarawak Islamic Religion Department (Jais) and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) on July 21.
This will be followed by a mass parade involving 60 contingents with over 3,000 participants on Sarawak Day (July 22) starting from Padang Merdeka at 8am, an award ceremony at Waterfront Hotel at 11.30am and a State Dinner at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex at 8pm.
Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations Datuk Sharifah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat were among those present at the press conference. — DayakDaily
