SIBU: The Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Committee plays a key role in fostering community unity and harmony, while ensuring residential areas remain peaceful, clean and safe.
Bawan Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said programmes such as the Pre-Gawai celebration help strengthen friendship, neighbourly ties and unity among residents.
“A strong community is not only built through development projects, but also through close cooperation, understanding and mutual respect between the people,” said Wong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Senior Vice President.
He said this at the Tanjung Penasu KRT Pre-Gawai event here on Sunday (May 24).
He hoped that KRT Tanjung Penasu would continue to organise activities that benefit the community, especially those involving the youth, women, the elderly and children.
Touching on the celebration of Gawai Dayak, Wong said that the festival was not only important for the Dayak community, but had become a festival celebrated and cherished by all Sarawakians.
“This is the true spirit of Sarawak — united in diversity, mutual respect, understanding each other and living together in harmony,” he said.
He also said that the Iban expression ‘Segulai Sejalai’ carries a deep meaning, namely walking together, working together and progressing together regardless of race, religion or background.
According to him, this spirit has long been strength of Sarawak and is the reason why the state continues to enjoy peace, stability and harmony.
“Today, when the world is facing various challenges and divisions, the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ is more important than ever.
“We must continue to preserve these noble values and pass them on to the younger generation so that Sarawak continues to be an example of unity, racial harmony and mutual respect for years to come,” he said.
Regarding education, Wong described it as the key to changing a person’s future, improving the standard of living of families and developing the community and the state.
He said the people of Sarawak were fortunate because the state government placed a strong emphasis on education and human capital development.
“Students should take full advantage of the opportunities provided, especially the free higher education offered at universities and institutions owned by the Sarawak government.
“This initiative is very important to help reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that no able-bodied students drop out of furthering their studies due to poverty,” he added.
