Contest to focus on Sarawak’s multi-ethnic, multicultural families

KUCHING: The state Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club ( BNBBC) and Political Secretaries Office under the Chief Minister’s Office are holding a photo and short story competition in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

Chief political secretary to the Chief Minister Abdullah Saidol said the competition themed ‘We Sarawakians and My Colourful Happy Family’ will focus on Sarawak’s multi- ethnic and multicultural families.

“Basically, the objective of this competition is for us to celebrate our unity in diversity. That is the spirit of this competition,” he told reporters yesterday during the competition’s launching.

He said the idea of the contest is to showcase Sarawakian families who are able to accept, adopt, tolerate and demonstrate the utmost mutual respect, understanding and uniqueness of integrating multi- ethnic and religious beliefs through mixed marriages.

The Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs said the competition is open to all Sarawakians residing in Malaysia regardless of age.

He noted that families with multicultural and/or mixed marriages would have an advantage, adding that mixed marriages also include those

Basically, the objective of this competition is for us to celebrate our unity in diversity. That is the spirit of this competition. Abdullah Saidol, chief political secretary to the Chief Minister

married to foreigners.

Abdullah said participants are required to send in two colour photos of their family members.

“They have to attach their photos together with a writeup of not more than 150 words describing the uniqueness or the diversity features of his/ her family. The write- up can be either in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

“The write- up must be supported by two referees, who are unrelated to the family to verify. The entry must emailed to swkpolsecoff@ gmail.com. Closing date is on Sept 16 at 6pm.”

He said the entries will be judged on diversity characteristics, creativity and/ or other distinctive features of both the photos and write-up.

“This is not a photography competition where professional techniques are taken into account. We will also judge on the chemistry, closeness and diversity of the family portrayed through the photo, coupled with the write up describing about his/her family.

“The judges will also be multiracial, probably from the state BNBBC and professional judges to evaluate the photographs. Results will be announced on Sept 23. The decision of the judges will be final and not subject to any appeal. The organiser is not obliged to return the photos. The photos may be used at the discretion of the organiser strictly within the purpose of this competition,” he explained.

The first prize will be RM3,500, a one-night stay at Damai Beach Resort, a camera, plaque and other gifts, while the second prize will be RM2,500, a camera, plaque and other gifts; and the third prize will be RM2,000, a camera, plaque and other gifts.

Those who place fourth and fifth will each receive a plaque.

The state BNBBC has contributed RM10,000 to the competition.

For more information, contact 019- 3862681 ( Fifi) or 019- 8348678 ( Hazel).