SIBU: The staging of a joint programme by the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Barsatu (PBB) demonstrates the unity among the component parties in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Dudong Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the Majlis Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak 2022 organised by PDP and PBB on Saturday is a historical moment as it has never been done previously.
“This shows that we are all in the GPS working together. It is undeniable that there are a handful of people who refuse to cooperate. But our PDP and PBB are indeed a family working together under GPS,” he said.
The Bintulu MP also stressed that the cultural and racial differences should not become a limitation for them.
“As Dr Annuar said, even though he is a Muslim and today is a Gawai celebration and we are drinking, he is okay to mingle around. This clearly shows that we all respect unity and harmony in Sarawak.
“We cannot often raise racial and religious issues but instead respect each other’s customs and culture. We can’t say that this is Iban culture so we can’t do such a ceremony.
“If we both respect each other’s customs and culture, then we can be together and sit at the same table,” he said.
Thus, Tiong emphasised that unity and harmony between races are important especially in a multiracial state like Sarawak to ensure its development.
“I want to congratulate Dr Annuar who was able to win without contesting as vice president of PBB. Even though he has already won he is still campaigning for his comrades regardless of their races. This is a leader we love and believe will work for us,” he said.
Apart from that Tiong also expressed his gratitude to PBB for being able to make the event a success which allowed all the delegates in the central zone to be together that night.
“There may be dissenting voices who say this ceremony is held because PBB contests will be held soon but I hope everyone present, especially YBs in the central zone can prove this wrong by holding such a ceremony every year,” he said.
Also present were the Nangka Assemblyman, Dr Annuar Rapaee, Katibas Assemblyman Lidam Assan, Daro Assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, Bukit Goram Assemblyman Jefferson Jamit, Organising Chairman, Joshua Ting Fu Ying and others.
