Maintain existing racial, religious harmony, urges Dr Rundi
SIBU: Sarawakians have been reminded to maintain the existing racial and religious harmony and work together for continued progress of the state.
Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said Sarawak has been the epitome of harmony despite its multi- racial and religious population.
“We have to protect what we have and we will do our best for that,” he said when officiating at the closing of Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival ( BDCF) held in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival ( BCF) 2018 at Sibu Town Square here on Wednesday.
BCF is the biggest cultural event in the central region and it has been organised annually since 2001.
The event showcases multicultural activities by the Dayak, Malay/ Melanau and the Chinese communities.
Dr Rundi, who is Kemena assemblyman commended the Sibu Municipal Council for staging the festival, saying it must be given good support by all.
“Not only the Dayak but all the races in the state so that we will be able to display our cultural practices through dances, songs and other performances especially to our visitors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador and head of the delegation of European Union ( EU) to Malaysia Maria Castillo Fernandez said she enjoyed the very rich cultures and heritage of the local people.
Fernandez is in Sibu for the first time to participate in ‘ Malaysia International Palm Oil Conference 2018’.
“It is good for my first time here to see so many people in a big festival.
“I have been to Miri and Kuching. This is my first time in Sibu and it is a pleasure to be here,” she said when met at the festival site on Wednesday.
Also present were Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, his deputy Rogayah Jamain, Temenggong Stanley Geramong, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Utilities Dato Alice Jawan, BDCF organising chairman Paulus Dandee Banyang and a political secretary to the chief minister Romeo Christopher Tegong.