KUCHING: Tamin State Assemblyman Ir. Christopher Gira said being from rural area, he has always appreciated the unity among all races. This is so as by having such unity and acceptance of each other, it will make the community and the state stronger.
Representing, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan to the Mooncake Intercultural event, Gira added that in rural Sarawak he observed that in urban areas like Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, there is somewhat a growing isolationism amongst the races.
“The races are starting to isolate themselves, separate from one another and this is allowing the racist protagonists to capitalise and split us apart and as a result disunite our people,” he pointed out. Gira called for greater harmony and this mooncake festival is one of the ways to reach out to one another. It symbolises our unity.
“Snowdan asked me to represent him; I was quite exited because I have read and heard so much about this famous event. It certainly is the talk of the town. As I walk the street I see the great efforts taken by the organiser to include entertainment and exhibitions from all cultures in Sarawak. With the Battle of the Bands competition I see a deliberate attempt by the organisers to include the youths and the modern cultures as well, apart from the obvious intercultural exchange amongst the races.
“On behalf of Datuk Snowdan Lawan and myself I would like to congratulate the organisers Mr. Sim Kiang Chiok and Cr. Amy Tnay Li Ping for a great job done and I look forward to another visit next year,” he added. There were about 20 guitar bands competing in all genres including alternative rock, and music of the 80s.
A renowned band from Pontianak Wai Rejected was placed third whereas A Ska band Drassca from kuching was in the first runner-up spot. Pinanak Sentah was champion of the Battle of the Band for bringing a truly world music to the mooncake festival.
