Genuine racial, religious tolerance in Sarawak — Minos
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Political and economic competitions should not be allowed to bring about ill-will and disunity in the state as this is not the culture and social norm of Sarawakians.
According to Kota Samarahan Municipal Council ( KSMC) chairman Dato Peter Minos, Sarawak is commendably unique when it comes to religious acceptance and tolerance.
“Many friends from the peninsula acknowledge that Sarawak is unique and different – yes, it is. There is genuine racial and religious acceptance and tolerance in Sarawak. There is real appreciation of cultural diversity by all Sarawakians.
“Out of all these, there are natural unity and much goodwill among the people making our life much more pleasant and happy,” he said at a preChristmas gathering hosted by the Methodist Church at UniCentral commercial centre here on Saturday night.
On acceptance, Minos said: “No racial group in Sarawak is that big and dominant; thus it has been the Sarawakian way of needing one another, of tolerating all things around for the sake of peace and goodwill. People do not hit each other excessively or unreasonably when disagreements arise,” he added.
Minos pointed out that Sarawakians of all races and religions could be seen sitting and eating next to one another.
“We see many inter-racial marriages. We also see many non- Chinese children going to Chinese schools. We can also notice Sarawakians meeting, interacting, celebrating diversities and working with one another so spontaneously and naturally. I say this is very good, very commendable and therefore, must be preserved,” he added.