BRITISH ROYALS CHARM SARAWAK
Prince Charles and wife, Camilla, leave lasting impression on the people
ADIB POVERA SANTUBONG news@nst.com.my
BRITAIN’S Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, left a lasting impression on the people in their maiden visit to Sarawak yesterday. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who were on their fifth day in Malaysia, began their whirlwind tour of the state by visiting the Sarawak Cultural Village at the foothills of Mount Santubong here.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany and state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the royal couple were greeted by a cultural performance.
They spent an hour visiting attractions at the cultural village, dubbed a “living museum” of the state’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.
Prince Charles displayed his skills at using the Penan blowpipes when he visited “Rumah Penan”. He and Camilla then crossed a man-made lake on a bamboo raft.
The heir to the British throne also had a closed-door dialogue with six community leaders representing the major ethnic groups in the state.
Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said Prince Charles was passionate when the latter spoke about the preservation of indigenous cultures.
“He spoke at length and shared his experience of preserving indigenous culture and heritage over the past 30 years.
“He also touched on the importance of pulling out all the stops to preserve Sarawak’s heritage.”
DBNA deputy president Charlie Unggang said Prince Charles was humble and did his best to put everyone at ease.
“He showed great interest in Sarawak’s heritage and issues related to the welfare of the people.”
Ruekeith Jampong expressed disbelief that he had attended a dialogue with the Prince of Wales.
“I am honoured. Sharing our views with him is an experience I will remember forever.”
Prince Charles and Camilla later headed for the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre near here where they were briefed on the rehabilitation of orangutan and other protected wildlife.
Prince Charles then stopped by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre in Kuching, while Camilla met representatives of Purple Lily, a non-governmental organisation, at the Old Court House in the state capital.