MIRI: Sarawak must continue to revive and strengthen its historical and cultural ties with China as part of efforts to promote peace, mutual understanding and regional unity, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said relations between China and this region dated back centuries, tracing connections through early maritime exchanges involving Chinese explorer Admiral Zheng He, who played a key role in fostering trade and diplomatic links across Southeast Asia.
“I welcome the group from China. We already have historical relations through Zheng He, an explorer from Yunnan.
“He came here as a Muslim and Chinese explorer who helped establish early relations between China and this region, including Melaka, and he also stopped in Borneo. That was how trade and relations between China and this region began, including Brunei,” he said when officiating the Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival (TOBC) 4.0 2026 here on Saturday (July 4).
Abang Johari said it was timely to revive those historical links in the modern context to strengthen cooperation and friendship among nations and communities.
“We revive that relationship between the Chinese and the people in this part of the world. This is a peaceful region — peaceful Sarawak, peaceful Borneo,” he added.
Abang Johari also congratulated the organisers for expanding the cultural carnival from its original focus on Borneo to include participation from neighbouring countries and international partners.
“First, this programme was confined to Borneo. Later, it was extended to our neighbours in Sabah and Brunei.
“Tonight, we are celebrating together with our neighbours from Indonesia and our far distant cousin, China. Congratulations to the organisers,” he said.
Abang Johari said such cultural exchanges were important not only for showcasing traditions but also for fostering respect and understanding among diverse communities.
“Of course, we want to show our culture and traditions, but more importantly, we must appreciate each other’s culture. Through that appreciation, we can live together in harmony and mutual respect,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s multicultural harmony should be preserved as a strength, noting that social unity was essential for stability and development.
“As the Malay saying goes, if you pinch the right side, the left side feels it. If you pinch the left side, the right side feels it. If there are racial issues affecting one group, everyone will be affected. We do not want that. We want a culture like this,” he said.
He stressed that unity and cultural appreciation would continue to bring benefits to all communities in the state.
“With this kind of unity and appreciation, we can work together and everyone benefits. Every community shares in the progress.
“At least tonight we share this joy together. In other places, people may be in conflict and unable to enjoy life,” he added.
He said Sarawak’s approach of embracing cultural diversity and mutual respect had enabled the state to develop steadily for the benefit of all its people.
