KUCHING: Sarawak’s unique spirit of unity once again came to the fore as people of different races and religions continue to support and patronise each other’s festive bazaars, said MBKS Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
Speaking to reporters after welcoming Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, to his Chinese New Year open house at his residence here today, he said such cross-cultural participation reflects what makes Sarawak truly special.
“Looking at the overall situation, Sarawakians celebrate every festival. They support each other during any bazaar and festivities. Whether it is a Muslim bazaar or not, you will still see people from all communities coming together,” he said.
He noted that it is common to see Chinese patrons visiting Ramadan bazaars, just as other communities take part in Chinese New Year celebrations, describing this as a natural reflection of Sarawak’s harmonious social fabric.
“This is what makes Sarawak different from others,” he added.
On the upcoming Ramadan Bazaar, Wee said MBKS will organise the bazaar at Stutong, featuring 160 stalls lined up consecutively.
He expressed confidence that the venue can accommodate the traders well, noting that the council has just concluded three Chinese New Year bazaars this year, including one at Stutong Market.
The mayor also highlighted the strong public response to the state-level Chinese New Year open house held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), saying the large turnout demonstrated the people’s enthusiasm in celebrating together.
“You can see that the government is having open houses during all festive seasons – Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Gawai.
“I don’t think you can see many governments doing such festive open houses for the people of their own homeland,” he said.
Wee further stressed that harmony and unity must be supported by political stability.
“Everything that we are doing now boils down to having a very stable government. Without stability, investors will not come and people will look at us differently,” he said, urging continued support to ensure sustained development and confidence in the state.
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, he also extended his well-wishes to the public, expressing hope that the new year will bring good health, happiness and prosperity.
“Most important is good health. When you have good health and happiness, prosperity will follow,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians to remain proud of their identity and to continue playing their role in maintaining racial harmony through mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance.
“Open up your heart, be more tolerant and more accepting. Then things can move forward,” he said.
