Inter-dependence key to unity, harmony in diverse communities, says Jamit
KAPIT: The inter-dependence of one another is the fundamental key to the friendship, cooperation, unity and harmony between diverse ethnic societies in Sarawak
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat pointed this out during his Chinese New Year visit to Kapitan Yiap Yii Hoo and family at their residence along Lorong Airport here recently.
“For the people of Sarawak, visit to one another has become a custom during festive seasons,” said the Bukit Goram assemblyman, adding that he made it a point to visit Chinese families in Kapit during Chinese New Year as well as Muslims during Hari Raya and the Dayak community during Gawai.
“When I celebrated Gawai Dayak, they called on me. So it is not a formality but a custom and practice to pay festive visits to wish them happy celebration.
“The prevailing unity and harmony in Sarawak is not an easy thing to maintain. It requires a moderate attitude in many things.
“If things relating to the sensitivity of the people are touched causing controversy, it is impossible for us to preserve the harmony of the peoples.
“I would like to remind the people to be mindful and be tolerant, respect each other’s way of life and practices,” he advised.
He acknowledged and felt proud of the Chinese community in Kapit for having contributed so much to the development of the local economy, and for their cooperation with government leaders for the greater growth of Kapit.
“The existence of a wide range of business opportunities in Kapit helped create a wide variety of employment opportunities for local communities,” he said.