KAPIT: The Kapit Peace Agreement of 1924 remains a landmark that symbolises true progress rooted in cooperation and mutual respect, regardless of differences in beliefs or ethnicity.
According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, sustainable and continuous growth can only be achieved if the people of the state continue to embrace tolerance in diversity and move forward in unity.
“This peaceful environment should be utilised to seize opportunities for self-advancement and community development to secure a bright future for our younger generation and the state we love,” he said.
He said this at a dinner in conjunction with 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Kapit Peace Agreement 1924-2024 which was attended by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at Dewan Suarah Kapit
Nanta who is Kapit MP added that past leaders had the foresight to understand that peace not only ends conflicts but also marks the beginning of growth.
He stressed that the commitment of these leaders left behind a precious legacy — an environment of peace and harmony that provides opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, to thrive.
“A century ago, our ancestors gathered in a spirit of understanding and peace to establish harmony.
“The extraordinary courage and unity they demonstrated laid the foundation for the harmony we enjoy today,” he said.
Touching on Kapit’s development, he noted that the district’s remote location posed significant challenges to ensuring its socio-economic development kept pace with other areas.
However, he emphasised that the state government has never neglected development in the interior regions.
“I must commend the efforts made by the state government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who has undertaken numerous proactive and drastic initiatives to ensure that interior areas are not left behind.
“The Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), introduced and implemented by the Sarawak government, also places inclusive emphasis on all Sarawakians, and these efforts have garnered significant attention,” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Deputy Minister for Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang, who represented the Orang Ulu community, called on the people of Kapit to honour the wisdom of their forebears, who successfully brought lasting peace.
“Let us commit to building a legacy of harmony and progress that will serve as an example for our younger generations.
“We are truly blessed with good leadership in Sarawak, which prioritises the well-being of our people and the prosperity of our communities,” he said.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, and Nanta’s wife Datin Seri Angelina Tan Sri Celestine Ujang.
