MIRI: Sarawak’s long-standing tradition of cultural diversity and inter-communal harmony remains one of its greatest strengths, and positions the state as a national model for peaceful multi-ethnic and multi-religious coexistence, according to Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said major cultural and religious celebrations in Sarawak are no longer observed in isolation by individual communities but are shared openly across ethnic and faith lines, reinforcing social cohesion and mutual respect.
Chinese New Year, he noted, has evolved into a prolonged festive season in the state, beginning weeks earlier and overlapping naturally with other celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak.
“This reflects how fortunate we are as Sarawakians. Our festivals are not celebrated by one community alone but embraced collectively by all,” he said in his address at a Chinese New Year dinner organised by the Sarawak Chinese Association here on Saturday night (Feb 7).
Lee stressed that Sarawak’s real strength lies in its unity, cultural plurality and the deep-rooted respect among its people, which together have created a stable and harmonious living environment.
He said the state’s progress and resilience were built on sustained cooperation among its diverse communities, united by a shared sense of belonging and common purpose.
“The success Sarawak enjoys today is the outcome of collective effort, grounded in togetherness and mutual respect,” he added.
Looking ahead, Lee expressed hope that the Year of the Horse would bring prosperity and positive outcomes for all Sarawakians, in line with the state government’s aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2030.
