KUCHING: Sarawak’s success hinges on the ability of its diverse population to remain united, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous future for all.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said as Sarawak strides confidently towards a bright future, unity remains a crucial determining factor on how far the state can go.
Over the past decades many industries have been relying heavily on petroleum but in the next 50 years, it is going to be all about green energy, he said.
“Sarawak is already in the position to position itself as a hub for green energy. We have hydropower, hydrogen, these are our strengths as we move forward in achieving high income and green economy,” he said.
He said this during the Federation of Chinese Associations for Samarahan and Serian Division Media Appreciation 2024 event held here last night (Feb 2).
The Chinese associations and community leaders, he said, recognised the importance of unity, and have actively played their part in contributing to the development of Sarawak.
“Their commitment extends beyond individual races, aiming to ensure that the people of Sarawak remain united, irrespective of their diverse ethnicities.”
“So, I hope the multiracial society in Sarawak can continue to live together harmoniously and move forward to a prosperous future,” he said.
On another note, Dr Sim also said the Sarawak government will continue to focus on autonomy in education and healthcare – to ensure all ‘anak-anak Sarawak’ have the access to quality education, including at tertiary level.
“If we want to talk about nation-building, we need to have more talented and skilled workforce, therefore, we need to invest in developing human capital and ensure our future generation regardless of race and ethnicity has access to good education,” he said.
In tandem with education autonomy, he said, health autonomy emerges as a pressing concern, especially with an aging society.
“As medical costs rise, there is a growing need to address the healthcare needs of elderly Sarawakians. The state government, with a population of 2.9 million, is committed to taking care of its people in the face of these challenges. So we want our health autonomy as well,” he said.
“As long we stay united, we will have a bright future,” he added.
Earlier, the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations for Samarahan and Serian Division Datuk Richard Wee expressed their gratitude to media who have been covering and reporting their events and activities for the past years.
As the highest representative organisation of the Chinese community, he said, their mission is not only to seek the well-being of the Chinese community, but also to uphold the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic groups and the integration of diverse cultures.
“We have always been open to the participation of friends of all ethnic groups to join our events and activities as we strongly believe that only through cultural interaction and mutual understanding can we preserve cultural diversity and the stability and prosperity of our multi-racial society,” he said.
This year, he said, since the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Association will host the National Chinese Cultural Festival, it is logical for the Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Federation of Chinese Association to serve as the co-organiser.
According to Wee, starting in June, a series of events will be held in all provinces of Sarawak, and Kuching will also be the main venue for the closing ceremony of the festival.
Meanwhile, a total of 236 media personnel from 16 media organisations participated in the association’s Media Appreciation event with various language media, including Chinese, Malay, English and Iban joining in the celebration.
