Kapit a ‘true representation of 1Malaysia’

KAPIT: This district is a true representation of the 1Malaysia concept in that not only its people – regardless of race, religion and backgrounds – live in harmony, but they also share many characteristics with one another.

One obvious example is the language, says Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit.

“The Chinese and the Malays here speak Iban fluently. You all heard Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo ( Kapit Division Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman) just now – he delivered his opening remarks in Iban, and it’s a Chap Goh Mei celebration of the Chinese.

“This is our strength – the ability to remain united amidst adversity. We don’t choose people over their race or religion. We are together because we want to be together,” he said, addressing over 500 guests at the event in Sri Baleh VIP Guesthouse multi-purpose hall here on Saturday night, to which he also declared in Iban: “Ditu ba Kapit, nadai pilih bangsa, budaya, agama – semua ulih gulai (Here in Kapit, nobody chooses over race, culture or religion – everybody can mix with one another).”

Elvis represented Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat, who is the patron of the event and had allocated RM6,000 in government grant for its

The Chinese and the Malays here speak Iban fluently. You all heard Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo (Kapit Division Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman) just now – he delivered his opening remarks in Iban, and it’s a Chap Goh Mei celebration of the Chinese.

organisation. Adding on, Elvis said the government had always wanted all Sarawakians to remain united and one of the ways to achieve this was through the celebration of major festivals together.

“Sarawak celebrates four major festivals – the Chinese New Year, Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas. In this respect, the government wants to see all races in the state to celebrate these occasions together in order to foster closer relationships with one another. There must be no gap among Sarawakians – we all must instil in ourselves that we are all sons and daughters of Sarawak. We are together despite our diversity,” he added.

Elvis Didit, Kapit District Officer

Elvis (third right) receives a grand lion dance welcome upon his arrival at the Chap Goh Mei event. With him are Kapit Chinese community leaders (from left) Kapitan Kong Cheak He, Kapitan Yiap Yii Hoo, Penghulu Wong Kie Ing, Temenggong Tan and Kapitan...

Elvis and Temenggong Tan (standing front, sixth and seventh left, respectively) join members of the association and other guests for a group photo.

Members of Kampung Baru women’s bureau are among the 500 guests.