Festive visits foster inter-ethnic harmony in Miri, says Lee

MIRI (March 25): Strengthening inter-ethnic harmony and mutual understanding through festive visits remains a key focus, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said he makes it a point each year to attend Hari Raya open houses upon receiving invitations from Muslim friends, describing the visits as a meaningful way to build closer ties among communities.

“This is not just a festive tradition, but an important platform to connect, build friendships and enhance mutual respect among the various races,” he said in a statement, following a two-day Hari Raya Aidilfitri programme organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Senadin branch.

On the second and third days of Hari Raya, Lee’s entourage, including his spouse Datin Sri Christina Kong, community leaders, and members of the branch committee, youth and women’s wings, visited 26 households across Miri.

Among those visited were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Temenggong Abang Mohamad, and several village chiefs in the Kuala Baram and Tudan areas.

Lee noted that each visit was warmly received, reflecting the strong spirit of unity within the community.

He expressed hope that such engagements would provide opportunities for cultural exchange and learning, particularly for younger members of the party’s youth and women’s wings.

“Maintaining close relationships among different ethnic groups remains a key priority,” he said, adding that initiatives like these continue to promote harmony and unity in Sarawak’s diverse society.