Sarawak Malay Complex Coming Up, Says Awang Tengah

Foto The Borneo Post

KUCHING: A Sarawak Malay Complex will be built as part of a plan to realise the recently launched Sarawak Malays Strategic Plan (2015-2035).

Revealing this when officiating at the Hari Raya dinner of Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak (AKYBMS) here on Monday was Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

“We are in the process of planning the management structure of the complex, which will be built at Jalan Diplomatik in Petra Jaya.

“The construction of the complex is divided into two phases. The first phase will involve building a multipurpose hall and business components. The hall can be used for weddings, history and culture gallery as well as a management office.

“Work on the first phase will start as soon as possible,” he said.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and AKYBMS chairman, urged the Malays to involve themselves in the plan which contains five main thrusts – economy, politics, education, religion/culture and family/youth.

“The Sarawak Malays Strategic Plan 2015-2035 is a big responsibility for AKYBMS. We all have our roles to play to ensure the plan is a success.

“All of us should share and discuss about the five thrusts. AKYBMS is also planning to hold roadshows in every division to meet with the Malay community. This is part of our preparation to preserve and strengthen the community,” he said.

He added that in protecting the rights of the Malays, the community must also not forget about others.

“We live in a multiracial society. While protecting our rights, we must not forget also the rights of other groups in the state.

“We have to be holistic and inclusive by taking into account the rights of others so that we can live in harmony with everybody,” he said.

Earlier, Assistant Minister for Resource Planning Datuk Mohamad Naroden Majais, said the dinner was an annual do to foster and strengthen ties among the Malay community.

“As a non-governmental organisation that focuses on culture and knowledge development of the Malays, we encourage the community to preserve their tradition and culture.

“Another activity planned apart from the complex is a Malay Festival, which will include other Malay groups in the state such as Kedayan and Melanau,” he said.

Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Assistant Minister for Industrial Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister for Welfare and Community Wellbeing Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail were among those present. -BP