Cultures of state’s various races will not be neglected — Awg Tengah
MIRI: The state government will not neglect the cultures of the various communities in Sarawak in its pursuit to make the Sarawak a truly progressive state by 2020.
Instead, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the state government would use every means to safeguard and further enhance the existing efforts in promoting and preserving the cultures of the state’s various races.
“The Sarawak government takes cultural diversity and unity seriously and will continue to hold the cultural symposium in the state.
“This significant cultural symposium is being held once in every five years,” he stated in his address at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering organised by Miri Malay Community Leaders Council (Makmum) that was held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club ( EVGCC) on Sunday.
He assured that the state government will give its total support to any cultural preservation works.
“Living in the modern century, we are now facing various challenges, be it direct or indirect influences.
“Thus, the change in the pattern of lifestyle nowadays has forced us to adapt and live with the changes.” He acknowledged that the changes in lifestyle had some impacts on society.
“That is why we want to create a generation that is culturally rich so they would be able to push aside all the negative aspects that would bring harm to the social harmony in the state.”
In view of that, he welcomed the suggestion made by the chairman of Makmum, Temenggong Abdul Rahman Fadzail, for Makmum to work with Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak ( YBMS) in documenting the preservation works on the Malay culture in the state.
Being the chairman of YBMS, Awang Tengah praised the commitment shown by Makmum, which he said should be emulated by other community leaders in the state.
“If Makmum willingly wants to help YBMS, why not and let’s work together towards a common aim to uplift the Malay tradition and culture in Sarawak.”
At the same time, he advised the people to open up their minds to the call made by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to go for digital economy.
“The chief minister is now making every effort to uplift our economic situation via digital economy.
“Thus, we should not close our minds to the new concept of economy otherwise Sarawak will continue to be left behind,” he said.
Later, he announced a Minor Rural Project ( MRP) grant of RM40,000 to Makmum.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin and Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus.