KUCHING: Indian community leader Kapitan Lucy Lingam has called on all Sarawakian Hindus and Sikhs to stand firm behind Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for continued progress and prosperity.
Besides, she said, the GPS state government is genuine about its plans to prosper all Sarawakians no matter their ethnic and religious background and power Sarawak towards becoming a developed state by 2030.
“In GPS we can see a government that truly cares for our community and on this day of triumph of good over evil, I ask all of us Hindus and Sikhs to continue to give our full support and cooperation to the state government,” Lucy said in a statement yesterday.
Lucy hoped that the Festival of Lights today will shine upon all Sarawakians the spirit of true unity among them and loyalty to the state as the land of their birth.
“Let us all sing the Sarawak anthem with pride and take with us the meaning of the song. Sarawak is our land (Sarawak Tanah Airku), our country, our birth right and now it is truly our motherland (Ibu Petiwiku),” she said.
Lucy went on to point out that the Indian community in Sarawak has been afforded a lot of respect and dignity by the GPS government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
She said the Indians are a proud member of the Sarawakian community for the attention given them through projects such as the rebuilding of the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Rock and the expansion of the Sikh temple, Gurduwara, in the city centre.
“The choice of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Embas to lead the Unit for Other Religions is particularly inspiring as through this unit all non-Muslim Sarawakians can be seen to be benefitting from the policy, the only one in the country.
“In Miri our friends are building a temple and the Miri Indian Association building, while in Sibu, a new home for the Sri Maha Marriamman Temple will be constructed.
“Unifor proves the GPS government’s commitment to elevating all Sarawakians including the minority communities.”
Lucy invited all Sarawakians to celebrate Deepavali and called on all Sarawak Indians to lead the way on “this day which is special to Hindus”.
“This year the celebration falls on a Sunday, which means all of our brothers and sisters from all the other ethnic groups in Sarawak can join us to “ngabang” (open house visit).
