Visiting during festive seasons shows unity, says deputy minister
The tradition of visiting during festive seasons beautifully showcases the unity of communities from diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
In pointing this out, Deputy Minister I for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu hails this inherited unity as ‘a strength, which provides advantages and creates an atmosphere conducive to the planning and implementation of development in an area’.
“Even though we see religious and ethnic issues arising elsewhere, here in Betong, we refuse to let them fuel divisiveness.
“During celebrations, we visit each other.
“In times of hardship, we help one another.
“When problems arise, we sit down and discuss things, to prevent prejudices from taking root,” the Layar assemblyman said, quoted by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) in a report, when met during one of his Hari Raya Aidilfitri visits to the Malay villages here, recently.
Adding on, Rentap said he, together with Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, would continue to bring various government programmes meant to benefit all local communities.
Among the villages visited by deputy minister and his entourage were Kampung Masjid, Kampung Tengah, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Baru Hulu, Kampung Baru Hilir and Kampung Pasa Melayu.
Among those accompanying Rentap, his wife Datin Rosemarie Wong and Dr Richard were Betong Land and Survey Office superintendent Moris Nayup, Temenggong Kueh Tu Teck, as well as Gerempung Tuai Rumah committee members representing the local Chinese and Iban communities.
Rentap also had the opportunity to attend a procession around Pekan Lama Betong, held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration of the Siang Ti Temple.
The five-night event, which kicked off on April 7, featured activities like the Buddhist religious rituals, sales booths and also a Chinese opera showcase.
The 60 participating contingents included representatives of Chinese temples and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Betong, Spaoh, Debak, Kuching, Sri Aman, Engkelili, Saratok, Roban and Sibu.