SIBU: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has expressed concern over the lack of interest among the younger generations to learn and understand their ethnic cultures.
The federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said they should uphold and nurture the cultural values of their race so that the cultures remain relevant and do not vanish in the era of modernisation.
“Despite not caring about their ethnic backgrounds, they should keep in mind the developmental history of their own backgrounds, and the cultural wisdom that has been passed down.
“Our descendants must learn and understand the historical significance of cultural customs, including promoting them to generate cultural tourism for the local community,” he said.
He was officiating at the Chinese Cultural Night in conjunction with Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang here last night (July 16).
Tiong said that besides the rich natural resources, Sarawak has always been the envy of the outside world for its diverse ethnic cultures.
“The enlightened and inclusive humanity allows each ethnic group to freely practise their respective ethnic and cultural customs.
“This harmonious relationship is synonymous with the Borneo civilization which is difficult to experience in other regions,” he said.
On the programme, Tiong, who is the Dudong assemblyman Bintulu MP, said BCF has been a great platform for the gathering of cultures of all the dialect groups.
“In the past 20 years, all the participating groups have responded very positively to this event and this year’s edition of the BCF is being held from July 14 to 23,” he said.
Tiong said the Chinese Cultural Night still centres on traditional customs and practices as its main theme.
“The organisers have delicately designed and organised the event to feature traditional art performances, setting up Chinese customs and culture booths, a folk art gallery, traditional hometown food fest, and even a short video competition,” he said.
Tiong noted that the scenery along Rajang River clearly shows the potential for more tourist attractions, such as floating restaurants and river cruises.
“If it is done well, the attractions can stimulate local tourism and add to our economic growth,” he said.
Tiong also encouraged the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and United Chinese Association (UCA) to consider extending the number of days for next year’s edition of the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF).
“This should encourage even more people to participate in the festivities, events, and see the shows that feature the nuances and uniqueness of our Borneo cultural groups,” he added.
At the event, Tiong announced allocations of RM50,000 for UCA, RM10,000 for UCA Youth wings and RM10,000 for UCA Women wings.
These funds are intended to support their yearly activities.
Also present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, UCA president Lau Ing Siong, organising chairman Soh Siau Chui, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh and SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley.
