Peace, unity, prosperity true essence of independence — Mazslee

The unity, peace and prosperity demonstrated by the people of Sarawak are the true essence of independence.

For this, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik urged Peninsular Malaysians who have the opportunity to visit or pursue their studies in Sarawak, to bring home these noble values to their respective states on their return.

He said the people of Sarawak, regardless of their race, religion and culture, could live together in peace, harmony and in unity.

“We are truly impressed with the people of Sarawak for their unity, which is not something for show, but one that has been valued and practised for ages. This is what we should emulate and take home to the Peninsula.

“I see that the harmonious living environment here is very strong despite the people’s many differences. They can live together and respect each another.

“Despite their difference in customs, culture and religion the people are not divided. This is the true meaning of independence,” he said when addressing ‘Patriotic Cultural Concert’ organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), its Student Development Division and Higher Education Department, at DeTAR Putra Unimas on Friday.

Mazslee also suggested that students from the Peninsula pursuing their studies at universities in Sarawak to try to live with foster families in order to understand their customs and cultures better.

“Sarawak is vast, and during the holidays, you can go to the rural areas, like the Penan villages and longhouses and find a host family. Get permission to stay with them to experience and learn their customs and cultures, and their food. Most importantly, to feel a life other than your own,” he said.

Maszlee added that the Student Community programme held at five divisions, namely, Kuching, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri in conjunction with ‘Program Kembara Siswa Patriotik Unimas’ was aptly held.

The programme could strengthen relationship between university students and people in these areas with their own characteristics.

Unimas vice president Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi also spoke earlier. He said the programme was a platform for students to strengthen national unity and patriotism.

“The programme will be able to produce students who can help to increase the socio-economy of Sarawak, enhance the spirit of love for the country, and inculcate the importance of responsibility to society,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin, and Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip were also present at the event.