Sarawak's Harmony And Prosperity Built Upon The Unity Of Diverse Communities

KUCHING: Minister in The Prime Minister's Office Hajah Nancy Shukri said that the harmony and prosperity enjoyed by Sarawakians in this state is built upon the unity of our diverse communities.

Quoting former Chief Minister who is now Yang Di Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Nancy said, “Like the many tributaries feeding our mighty rivers as they flow in unison towards the sea, so have the convergence of our people with diverse cultures and religions towards a common destiny of building  a harmonious and prosperous Sarawak. This, in turn, paves the way for accelerated development and progress; a common aspiration shared by the rakyat.”

"We all should thank Tun Taib who had worked relentlessly (during his 33 year tenure as Chief Minister) in transforming our beloved state of Sarawak to be one of the most prosperous in the country."

She pointed out that, even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had acknowledged this by saying that he truly believes that the modern Sarawak of today was the culmination of Tun Taib’s significant contribution, both economic progress and in fostering unity.

"This is indeed true, when today the other states in Malaysia are looking at Sarawak as an example state of 1 Malaysia because of the unity shown by the people here."

Nancy, who is also the Member of Parliament for batang sadong said this in her speech at Officiating Ceremony of the "Christmas Charity Bazaar", organised by Sarawak Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) held at the compound of the Association Of Churches near Jalan Stampin near here this morning.

"We are able to not only live side by side in a multi-religious environment but are able to live happily and respectfully with one another. This is indeed our symbol of strength."

"Therefore, all of us here including the younger generation must not belittle or disregard the unity in Sarawak and instead, we should all work towards preserving it," she added.

Stressing that, Malaysia is facing daunting challenges in preserving unity in our country, Nancy said that this is intentionally caused by irresponsible people who are using religious sentiment to divide us.

"Provocations after provocations using racial and religious sentiments have become their bullets to undermine the stability and harmony in our state," she said adding that if we do not look after the harmony, unity and stability we share, we will lose everything that we have worked hard for over the years.

"We are fortunate to be administered by a government that is responsible and concerned about issues affecting our people. For this reason, we should not allow other people to rob us of the prosperity and unity that we have enjoyed all this while."

Nancy reminded that, should we lose everything, it will be the saddest thing that could happen to our children and therefore, we must remain steadfast in our (own) values and not change them over some (appalling) provocations from extreme politics that purposely draw religions into controversies.

"Above all, we should never allow ourselves to be blurred by any (extreme) movements that use religion as the basis to break our state apart," she added.

"While it is not uncommon for us to celebrate and share festive seasons together regardless our different religions, cultures, races and beliefs, we enjoy the moment of celebration harmoniously."

"This is the level of tolerance and acceptance of multiracialism that we have been practicing long before the slogan of 1Malaysia was introduced."

"The initiative taken by SSPCA is one of the many ways to further enhance our inter-racial understanding for one another despite whatever differences and this too can further enhance as well strengthen the 1Malaysia concept through the spirit of Christmas."

SSPCA has been very active in promoting good values in life through various programmes including fund raising activities to alleviate the suffering of abused and neglected animals, she said.

Thanking SSPCA for conducting various awareness campaigns such as the awareness of the importance of pet neutering, Nancy said that it is indeed a good campaign as to educate pet owners on why they should not let their pets roam wildly in the streets as the animals can be a nuisance to other people as well as bring diseases.

Also present during the function were President of SSPCA Madam Dona Dury Wee, Chairman of SSPCA Rebecca De Cruz and other distinguished guests. - Sarawakiana