Abang Johari: Cultural diversity fuels harmony, progress in Sarawak

MIRI (Nov 3): Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity has been the foundation for harmony and economic progress in the state, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Sarawak Premier highlighted that unity among the multi-religious and multicultural communities has not only fostered a harmonious environment but also helped Sarawak achieve high-income status for three consecutive years, as recognised by the World Bank.

“We are very blessed because Sarawakians can live in peace and harmony under one roof, regardless of our backgrounds and religious diversity.

“This is something very precious to us. Despite our different racial backgrounds, we live as if we are one family, with one direction, one objective and that is to develop ourselves and our state,” he said when officiating at the opening of the Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival 3.0 at the Boulevard open car park here last night.

Abang Johari added that Sarawakians must preserve their existing culture to allow the state to focus on its efforts to bring development to the people, regardless of their backgrounds.

He pointed out that one of the plans to develop Sarawak and its people is through free tertiary education for all deserving Sarawakian students starting 2026.

“As long as there is a ‘K’ indicator on your identity card, you can study at state-owned universities.

“In Miri, we have Curtin University, and Sarawakians who are accepted into the university can study there for free. Irrespective of your background—whether you are Chinese, Malay, Iban, Orang Ulu, Berawan, or Kelabit—as long as you are accepted into Sarawak-owned universities, your fees will be covered by the Sarawak government,” he said.

Abang Johari explained that the reason for the free tertiary education beginning 2026 is to produce intelligent young people who will use the skills acquired to develop the state in the future.

“Today, for three consecutive years, the World Bank has recognised Sarawak as a high-income state.

“However, our work is to ensure that household income is also high, and that is why education is crucial,” he said.

Regarding Sarawak’s relationship with Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia, Abang Johari pointed out that the state government will continue to foster good relationships as partners.

“Our culture in Borneo is similar, hence why we can work together. As I had mentioned, Indonesia is developing Nusantara as its new capital, and we are located next to it. We can help them and they can also assist us. We are like brothers, and that is our approach.

“With similar culture, for sure, it would become a platform for us to work together for the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, organising chairperson Harry Lee Tian Song said this year’s carnival has successfully earned two entries into the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR) for the ‘Most Ethnic Dialects Greetings on the Unity Bridge’ and the ‘Most Ethnic Crafts Displayed in a Single Event’.

He also noted that it was the first time the carnival saw the participation of Sabah and Kalimantan.

Among those present at the function were state’s Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, federal Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and State Public Communication Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, founder of Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival Datuk Hii King Chiong, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and Indonesia’s Consul-General in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono.