KUCHING: Kuching is not called city of unity for nothing, said Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Addressing celebrants of India Street’s Chap Goh Meh festival two nights ago, the Tourism, Arts, Culture Youth and Sports Minister pointed that out to the multi-racial and multi-religious city folk that gathered for the festival.
He said what had always been unique to Sarawak was that every festival was celebrated by all the races and ethnic groups.
“Tonight’s celebration proves why Kuching is not called city of unity for nothing,” said Abdul Karim proudly, adding that it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain that title to show that the city really deserves it.
He also called upon all Sarawakians to be proud of their respective identities as defined by their unique ethnicity, culture and their “Sarawakian-ness”.
Dwelling quite a bit on this, he connected the issue of identity to unity, saying Kuching became a melting pot of Sarawak’s diverse population, which became the basis of its recognition as the country’s first “City of Unity”.
The proclamation was made three years ago by 1Malaysia Foundation chairman, Dr Chandra Muzaffar, during a gathering at the state Indoor Stadium. The late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was Chief Minister then.
He recalled that Kuching had made a great leap from being a “sleepy hollow” in the early seventies to what it is now.
Back to the identity issue, he was both glad and proud that despite being people of many different and distinct racial/ethnic origins and religious beliefs, Sarawakians have been living and working together in harmony and unity.
“This basic foundation of our society should be further strengthened and enhanced. We believe in unity in diversity. We can live harmoniously in unity,” he said.
Dato Wee Hong Seng, the organising chairman of the festival, echoed some aspects of Abang Karim’s speech when he said the state government has always encouraged the Chinese and other ethnic groups to unite.
“The government has been supportive all these years and has worked closely with the stakeholders to bring meaningful development to India Street while preserving its heritage which is unique to this state.
“As we can see, the Chap Goh Mei festival tonight is celebrated by people of various races. This shows our strong unity,” he said.
“With the help of the state government there are many exciting events throughout the year. One of the highlights for tonight’s event is the street arts mural throughout the old heritage area to create vibrancy along the street in addition to a weekend night market that will start soon.
“The Chinese believe that this year is a year of wealth so they are motivated to strive harder to help the state promote its tourism industry, among other things.
“For the past three years, a roof has been gradually installed over India Street to keep business going and make tourists feel better when visiting the shops.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Sim Kui Hian and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai were also present at the celebration.
