SIBU: Sharing a core value of understanding and forgiving each other in a multiracial society has enabled the people of Sarawak to live peacefully.
“We not only celebrate Chinese New Year but also Hari Raya and other festivals together.
“For the people, we also celebrate together the coming Gawai. It is the best part of the festive season because l can try various Iban crusine,” Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek said at the GongXi Raya Gawai celebration hosted by the Sibu Journalists Association (SJA) on Tuesday night (May 9).
According to Chieng, this is very unique for Sarawak. “A lot of our Iban friends can sing Malay, Chinese and even Foochow dialect songs.”
“For me myself, as Sarawakian, it is also important for me to learn Iban language because I would like to serve my constituency better. Now l am still learning,” Chieng added.
Later, he sang an Iban song titled ‘Beri pemutus ati nuan’ (One, and the only) to the applause of the attendees.
During the event, karaoke singing and presentation of angpows to children aged 12 and below were also held.
About 70 local media people and family members were present.
Among the guests were Cr Teo Boon Siew, Cr Kevin Lau, Kapitan Wong Hua, local entrepreneurs Simon Wee and Ying Tieng Chai.
