Peace, harmony crucial for growth of society, says assemblyman
MIRI: Peace and harmony are the building blocks of any society, and a country can only enjoy growth and development when these elements are present.
This was stated by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau in his speech for Miri Orang Ulu Women Association (PWOUM)’s New Year 2024 dinner at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here recently, which also featured a beads fashion show.
“Peace is the path that we take to bring growth and prosperity to society.
“If we do not have peace and harmony, achieving political strength, economic stability and cultural growth will be hard, or impossible even,” he said in his speech, which was read out by a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Charles Balan Seling.
Dennis also said while celebrating the New Year, one should be reminded to always uphold unity and harmony within the society, as these were the vital elements that had enabled everyone, regardless of race, to celebrate the festive occasions together.
“With all the negative things we hear and see happening around the world, we are very lucky that we are able to live in peace and harmony in this multiracial community today.”
In his address, Dennis also praised PWOUM, led by Kijan Toynbee, for being a very active organisation.
“They have held numerous activities annually to celebrate the many festive seasons here. Congratulations to Madam Kijan for keeping this association active,” he said.
Apart from providing a platform to gather the community in celebrating all these festive occasions, Dennis said PWOUM had also carried out many activities to promote the culture and tradition of the Orang Ulu community.
“This objective is very important as it helps the Orang Ulu community to keep their traditions alive for many more generations to come.
“For example, the beads fashion show being held by the PWOUM members tonight,” he said.
Dennis also called upon PWOUM members to continuously use their association to promote and highlight their culture in order to get recognition not only in Sarawak, but also outside the state and even abroad.
“The Orang Ulu community, as we all know, has a very beautiful and colourful culture. For that reason, all of us here will be able to recognise someone wearing an Orang Ulu costume if we see them outside of Sarawak or abroad when they are displaying their racial or cultural identity.
“This is something we should be very proud of,” he said.
Meanwhile Kijan, in her welcoming address, said apart from providing a venue for PWOUM members to mingle and exchange New Year greetings, the dinner was also held to promote beautiful beaded accessories of the community.
“Beads fashion has always been part of the Orang Ulu products, and the women here are very proud in showcasing their beads and handicrafts. Beads are part of our culture.
“It is important that we continue to preserve our cultural heritage, like our beads.
“In this modern world where the Internet has exposed us to so many different things and influences, we may easily start looking outside of our roots and discover new things,” she said.
Also present at the dinner were Dennis’ wife Datin Debbie Irang Ajang and Penghulu Leonard Fong.