SIBU: Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee wants the strong historical cooperation between the Malay and Melanau communities to be extended to the Iban and Chinese communities in Sibu.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development said the bond between the Malays and Melanaus holds great significance for a town with diverse communities with various nationalities, religions and traditions.
“The Malays and Melanaus, being among the first minority communities in Sibu, have been working together for centuries, and personal interests should never undermine this value.
“Let us extend this spirit of cooperation to include the Iban and Chinese communities in Sibu as well. This collaboration must remain unshaken, free from political manipulation, and untainted by self-serving interests,” he said.
The Nangka assemblyman was speaking at the Malay-Melanau Night opening ceremony in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2023, at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang last night (July 19).
On the BCF, Dr Annuar said it received strong support from the public and surpassed all previous editions.
“I congratulate the Sibu community for their support and enthusiasm to this programme. Most importantly, it demonstrates the strong unity and cooperation among various ethnic groups in our town.
“BCF serves as an outstanding platform to showcase a harmonious coexistence of diverse races and religions in Sibu. I hope the people of Sibu will continue to preserve and uphold our shared values,” he added.
Dr Annuar called upon the Sarawak residents to maintain a harmonious atmosphere and extend support to all initiatives that foster cooperation among different ethnicities.
“While our neighbouring country faces prolonged issues resulting in divisions among races, ethnicities, and religions, with the use of uncivilised and hurtful language, I implore our Sarawakian society not to follow suit,” he said.
Also present were Political Secretary to the Premier Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley and organising chairman Councillor Raden Khirulzaman Raden Bustari.
