BAU: No race or ethnicity was left behind in showcasing their history in the Borneo Culture Museum (BCM).
Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he had instructed the directors and curators of the Sarawak Museum Department to include every ethnic and sub-ethnic group in the state for the content of BCM ahead of its opening.
“When we built the museum, I instructed them to make sure all races and ethnicities were included so that whenever they visited the museum, they would feel seen.
“True enough, any Sarawakian, whether they are Orang Ulu, Malay, Bidayuh, Iban, or Chinese, would feel proud if they visited BCM,” he said during his speech when officiating Bung Bratak Day at Bung Bratak Heritage Centre in Bau today (May 1).
He further mentioned that the inclusion of Sarawakian culture in the BCM gives the locals a sense of pride, as it signifies that the state government has taken into account their cultural heritage.
“In the meantime, I have also instructed the Sarawak Arts Council (SAC) to ensure the traditional dances of each sub-ethnic group are elevated so that they can be showcased, as culture is a very important element in uniting the people,” he said.
Abdul Karim explained that one of the reasons why Sarawakians are able to coexist peacefully is because of their high level of respect and tolerance towards each other.
“There is no such thing as ‘my race or religion is better than yours’ sentiment here in the state. Sure, we should be proud of our culture, but that does not mean we should look down on other cultures as well. If we are able to continue to have high tolerance towards each other, Sarawak will be a beautiful and peaceful place to live,” he
