KUCHING: Culture, colour and conversation filled Dewan SK Merpati Jepang as the Sarawak Unite, Malaysia Harmony programme brought together youths and communities in a shared celebration of diversity today (Apr 4).
The programme was launched by Political Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Irwan Zulkarnain Muhammad Hasbie, who represented Fadillah at the event.
Organised by ‘Kelab Belia Prihatin Bandar Kuching’ (KEPRI) with support from the National Unity Ministry and collaboration with Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia, the two-day initiative brought together youths, government agencies and community groups on a common platform to strengthen social cohesion.
The event began with a walkabout around the Harmony Village, where rows of traditional attire, cultural displays and ethnic showcases offered a closer look at Sarawak’s heritage, before the stage came alive with multicultural dance performances reflecting the state’s diversity.
The programme featured a series of engagements, including the ‘Bicara Semarak Perpaduan Sarawak’ town hall, a Malaysia MADANI nationhood seminar, and youth workshops centred on community tourism, cultural literacy and heritage preservation.
During the town hall session, Irwan said unity remains the foundation of national stability and progress, stressing that it must be continuously nurtured through active participation from all segments of society, particularly youths.
“Programmes like this not only encourage interaction among people of different backgrounds, but also deepen understanding of the cultural diversity that forms the strength of our nation,” he said.
The Harmony Village remained a focal point throughout the programme, bringing together cultural exhibitions, traditional food and live art demonstrations, alongside youth-led activities such as community clean-ups and unity-themed mural projects.
