Chinese cultural festival pivotal in uniting S’wakians, promoting multicultural exchange, says Miri mayor

MIRI (July 7): The 39th National Chinese Cultural Festival plays a pivotal role in uniting Sarawakians and enhances the importance of cultural identity while promoting multicultural exchange, said Miri Mayor Adam Yii.

Yii, who flagged off the Miri leg of the torch relay at the Miri City Hall today, commended the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations’ (SFCA) event which was participated by FCA branches statewide.

He likened the torch relay to the essence of Chinese culture passing down from generation to generation.

“It is an event that epitomises cultural inheritance, which is why it is important everyone joins hands and hearts, light the torch and spread hope. By jointly promoting Chinese culture and its core values, we are passing down the heritage to generations to come,” he said in his speech when officiating the event.

The event saw 1,500 representatives from Chinese associations under Huazong Miri’s wings.

Miri was the second leg of the torch relay, which started from Limbang since June 22. The next leg will be in Bintulu.

The torch relay is expected to arrive in Kuching on Sept 13 as the festival concludes with a grand cultural performance at Kuching Waterfront on Sept 15.

Meanwhile, FCA Miri Youth chief Sean Huang said the festival was a celebration of unity and friendship and was not solely a cultural event.

Huang also thanked the working committee, Miri City Council, Miri District Office, police and fire department for their assistance, support and cooperation in ensuring the smooth progress of the event.

Among those present were Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia president Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan, SFCA president Dato Richard Wee and FCA Miri president Datuk David Goh.