SIBU: Schools play an important role in promoting harmony and acceptance of one another’s culture, tradition, and belief.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said schools must always make sure that all the activities they do promotes peace and harmony among students with different backgrounds, traditions and beliefs.
“Hatred will lead to disharmony in the society. Thus, young children should be taught on the importance of understanding and acceptance,” he said at the SJK (C) Kiang Hin’s celebration of Gawai festival, Dragon boat festival cum Teachers’ Day held at the school premises in Jalan Teku here yesterday (June 6).
The three-in-one event was jointly organised by SJK (C) Kiang Hin Board of Management and Villlage Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Berjaya, Jalan Oya, Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Medang and Pearl Garden.
Tiang was represented by Cr Kevin Lau, who delivered his speech.
On the Dragon Boat festival, Tiang stated that there were many speculations about the festival, but the well-known one is that the festival was to honor Qu Yuan, a Chinese patriotic poet and a beloved state servant who gave his life for his country.
While he noted that Gawai Dayak festival is to celebrate the harvest season.
“All these celebrations will indeed lead to a better understanding of different culture and tradition,” he said.
Tiang who is also Pelawan assemblyman called on schools to advocate its role in ensuring that no child would be left behind in line with the state government’s effort to create a world class education.
He stated that a world class education is not only about academic excellence, but the school must be able to help young children to build dynamic characters.
“Besides that, involvement among parents in school activities is also important to help our young children.
“Thus, I would like to urge all parents to always cooperate with the schools and together we build a better future for our children, ” he added.
Also present were SJK (C) Kiang Hin Board of Management chairman, Kapitan So Teck Kee and headmaster, Ling Ing Kiong.
