SIBU: Children’s drawings can offer more than colourful expressions of creativity — they can also reflect their hopes and dreams for a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
Speaking at the “Children’s Hearts Draw National Day & Community Gathering” at the school hall of Kwong Ming Secondary School in Sungai Bidut, Bawang Assan, today, Wong said the programme provided children with an opportunity to express how they viewed their country, community and future through art.
He said while the drawings might feature familiar images such as the Malaysian flag, families, local communities and scenery, they also represented the children’s dreams and aspirations for the nation.
“Children are the future of our nation, and the community is the first home where they grow and learn,” he said.
Wong, who was the guest of honour at the event organised by the Norkiah Community and Sungai Empawah Neighbourhood Committee, said national development should not be measured solely by economic growth and infrastructure.
More importantly, he said, a progressive nation required a society built on care, mutual respect and a willingness to help one another.
“And all of this can begin right here, within our own communities,” he said.
He noted that residents in the Norkiah and Sungai Empawah communities came from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, but stressed that their differences should serve as a source of strength rather than division.
“Diversity without division, and differences with peaceful coexistence — this is the strength and uniqueness of Malaysia,” he said.
Wong said the community gathering demonstrated the importance of strengthening relationships among neighbours, as children played and participated in activities together while adults had the opportunity to meet, communicate and build friendships.
He said strong community bonds were not created through slogans but through daily interaction, understanding, kindness and concern for one another.
Addressing the children participating in the drawing activity, Wong urged them to portray not only the Malaysia that exists today, but also the Malaysia they hope to see in the future.
He envisioned a Malaysia without hatred, where people respected one another, people of different races and religions lived peacefully together, and every child had access to good education and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
He also encouraged the children to embrace three values from a young age — loving their families, respecting friends from different backgrounds, and cherishing the peace and harmony enjoyed by the community.
He said these values, if nurtured early, would help build a more harmonious society and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
On National Day, Wong said the occasion should go beyond being a public holiday, as it was also an opportunity to reflect on the country’s past, appreciate its achievements and look towards the future.
He said the present generation had a responsibility to create better living environments, provide stronger educational opportunities and give the younger generation greater space to develop their potential.
“When their time comes, our children will take the baton from us and build an even better Malaysia,” he said.
Wong also called on residents to continue working together to build a community that was warm, caring, inclusive and united.
He congratulated the organisers and thanked community leaders, volunteers, parents and teachers for their efforts in making the gathering possible.
He expressed hope that the Norkiah and Sungai Empawah communities would continue to live in harmony, with strong neighbourly ties and sustained progress and prosperity.
The event was held in conjunction with National Day and brought together children and community members.
