Racial harmony remains cornerstone of Sarawak’s progress, says Deputy Premier

SIBU (Jan 29): Racial harmony and unity remains the cornerstone of Sarawak’s peace, stability and continued progress, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said Sarawak’s development today did not happen by chance, but was built on the long-standing spirit of togetherness among its multiracial population, who live, work and celebrate festivals side by side.

“In Sarawak, celebrations such as Chinese New Year are not confined to the Chinese community alone, but are shared by all as one big Sarawak family,” he said when speaking at the Lantern Lighting Ceremony in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration at Sibu Central Market here on Wednesday.

Dr Sim said the practice of sharing meals, conversations and celebrations across communities ― a principle often highlighted by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem ― continues to guide Sarawakians in maintaining social harmony and stability.

He noted that while Sarawak has made significant progress over the past decade, the state has never been complacent with its achievements.

“Today, people say follow Sarawak. In the past, they did not say that because we were not good enough then.

“Even now, we do not say we are good enough because we always want to be better,” Dr Sim said.

According to him, unity is key to ensuring Sarawak continues to move forward and achieve greater progress in the years ahead.

“If we remain united, five years from now we will be far better than we are today,” he added.

The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government stressed that racial harmony is not only vital for economic growth, but is also fundamental to long-term sustainability and development.

“In many other parts of the world, too much time is wasted on disputes and conflicts.

“When people are constantly fighting, how can there be prosperity?” he said.

Also present at the event were Deputy State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng; Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting; and SUPP Central Youth chief Councillor Kevin Lau.