KUCHING: Sarawakians should focus on how to create better understanding to further unite its people rather than play up sentiments that can easily be misinterpreted by the people, said Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) chief executive Datuk Aloysius J Dris.
“Recently, there have been a lot of conversations surrounding issues bordering racial and religious sensitivities in Sarawak. These issues have brought up a lot of concerns among both public figures as well as among the rakyat.”
“Misunderstanding issues at hand may create a greater distrust amongst well-meaning people. This is why it is important to create dialogue and spaces where respectful conversations can take place,” he said today.
Aloysius said there was a positive and finer side of Sarawakian goodwill that should be strengthened and built further.
“Efforts are made by various NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and government agencies to try their best to enhance their efforts towards goodwill among the different communities.
“Here at YPS, we have achieved significant milestones in creating platforms for people, especially the youths, to tell their stories on Sarawakian unity through our Sarawak Pride initiative which received an award from the Malaysian Book of Records,” he noted.
However, he said many groups believe that more needs to be done in order to truly solidify unity amongst the diverse communities in the state.
“We should focus on building bridges and creating spaces for people to interact and appreciate our differences.
“Rather than testing the limit of our unity, let us put greater efforts to strengthen the bonds of community relationship,” he added.
