KUCHING: Tolerance and acceptance of each other’s races, religion and culture are the best ways to ensure and guarantee unity, peace and prosperity in Sarawak.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said this when commenting on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement on justice and fairness for all races and religions which would be handled Sarawak’s way.
He commented that it was nice and sweet music for Abang Johari to assure that the Sarawak government would treat all races with fairness and justice.
“It is of course self-evident that a person seeks fairness and justice in life and for a ruling government, those concepts and principles form the basic foundation of a civilised and happy life.
“When citizens are fairly and justly treated by the government, the laws and the ruling system, those citizens will be able work and contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of a nation and society, willingly and happily,” he said.
Minos said Sarawakians are very lucky as there is no particular dominant racial group in the state.
“With that, all the races — Malays, Melanaus, Dayaks, Chinese, etc have long accepted and have lived with each other in mutual trust and understanding.
“We rely on each other in all areas and aspects, devoid of racial and religious animosity. In fact, we take and treat each other in terms of being Sarawakian and not in terms of race or religion.
“This is the beauty of Sarawak. Its strength and its wonder, the envy of those in Malaya,” he added.
He said that tolerance and acceptance of each other’s race and religion as well as their cultures have long been imbedded in all Sarawakians.
Minos added, “Sarawakians are truly blessed and fortunate that we are free of any racial and religious strife.
“Sadly, this is lacking in the peninsula. Let us in Sarawak perpetuate our way of life and celebrate its wonders, because that is the best way, one that can ensure and guarantee unity, peace and prosperity in Sarawak.”
