KUCHING: Upholding unity in a multicultural society like Sarawak heavily relies on nurturing mutual understanding among its diverse people.
In stressing this, Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said integration among the community is crucial as it would allow any arising conflicts to be managed amicably.
“Each person has a different background, upbringing, and convictions, and sometimes we have differences in opinions. When there is conflict, we need to manage it well, and this begins with mutual understanding.
“When we understand and appreciate each other, we can agree to disagree. This is so that we will not be led towards a larger conflict that might affect the community as a whole,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Malam Mesra Deepavali programme at Kampung Pinang Jawa multipurpose hall here last night (Nov 25).
The programme was organised by the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), particularly the Gita 1 friendly neighbourhood (KJM), in cooperation with the Kampung Gita Laut, Kampung Gita Tengah, and Taman Fitrah village security and development committees (JKKKs) along with the Kuching Indian community.
On the programme, Fazzrudin, who is also Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, said that exposure to the festivities celebrated by other races allows the community to learn about each other and foster mutual respect.
“This is the starting point for us to maintain the unity that we have enjoyed thus far. Even though the programme is simple in its objective, it brings about a deeper meaning,” he said.
In light of this, he supported the proposal by the organisers for the programme to be held annually in the Tupong constituency.
“Of course, we want such programmes to be expanded in Tupong when we have the opportunity to do so. If we can do it annually, I will support it, and we will discuss it with DKBU,” he said.
Earlier, DBKU mayor Hilmy Othman said the city hall will continue to organise community programmes to celebrate festivities in Kuching involving various KJMs.
“It is my hope that the community here will continue to live in harmony with our diverse ethnic group. This is why Kuching is called the city of unity, where unity is a main pillar for the development of Kuching.
“It is also my hope that the cooperation and moral values that are inculcated through this programme (Malam Mesra Deepavali) can be continued,” he said.
Also present were Kuching Hindu Temple Association deputy president P. Vaithilingam, DBKU director Mohammed Khaidir Abang, Gita 1 KJM chairperson Anita Mohammed, and Kampung Pinang Jawa community leader Kassim Daud.
