Mutual respect, understanding key to continuing racial unity — Dr Sim
SRI AMAN: It is vital for all Sarawakians to respect and understand each other’s beliefs and traditions to further strengthen unity in this racially, religiously and culturally diverse state.
Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian believes that through mutual respect and understanding among Sarawakians, the state – and the country in general – will continue to progress.
Healsoremindseveryonetonever drum up racial sentiments.
“What we hope is for racial issues to never be raised because they threaten the peace and the stability of our country,” he said in his remarks at a Chinese New Year gathering hosted by the Simanggang and Lingga branches of the Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) at the civic centre on Thursday night.
Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, said racial harmony was very significant for Sarawak in view of its diverse population.
Adding on, he said having enjoyed the fruit of independence for more than 50 years, Sarawakians must make sure that such peace and harmony would be upheld and defended.
“Sarawak is renowned for it (racial harmony). This is the product of our leadership – our leaders always find the best ways to lead the people so that we would continue to live harmoniously with one another,” Dr Sim said, hoping that any religious issue could be settled in consensus so that there would be no hostility existing among the people.
The gathering was also attended by Deputy Home Minister Masir KujatwhoisSriAmanMP,Assistant Minister for Rural Economy ( Interior Areas) and Plantation Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Sri Aman Resident Indit Banggai, Sri Aman District Walikota Richard Tawan Sedu, and local community leaderPemanca Lee Siang Hua.