Minister urges Sarawakians to uphold unity as State enters the year 2024

Abdul Karim speaking during the 2024 New Year Countdown event at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023.

By Ashley Sim and Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 1: Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah calls upon the people of Sarawak to uphold peace and harmony as the State welcomes the year 2024.

Abdul Karim emphasised the importance of unity in Sarawak, given the State’s diverse population comprising people of various races and religious faiths, emphasising the need to foster an attitude of tolerance and friendship based on the principle of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity).

“I pray that the New Year 2024 will bring more luck to Sarawak and its people who are of multiple ethnic groups where we see racial diversity as a source of strength for us,” he said when delivering his speech during the ‘2024 New Year Countdown Ceremony’ at Kuching Waterfront here last night.

Abdul Karim said the year 2023 held great significance as Sarawak commemorated its 60th anniversary of independence with various programmes and activities conducted throughout the year, including the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy which covered all 12 divisions, to raise awareness and promote knowledge about Sarawak’s independence among the people.

He further emphasised that the people of the State now have a better understanding of the strategic planning carried out by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to drive Sarawak towards progress and prosperity.

“This planning is based on the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) Action Plan, which is a product of the Premier’s own visionary thinking.

“The PCDS 2030 in Sarawak outlines a set of action plans aimed at transforming the region into a modern and advanced area by 2030.

“These plans prioritise the development of a sustainable environment and rapid economic growth, with the goal of ensuring that the benefits of this progress are shared among all communities,” he added.

The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Abang Johari and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Abdul Karim’s wife, Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar. — DayakDaily