KUCHING: The state government plays a critical role in maintaining the peace, harmony and unity of the people, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier added that this was one of Sarawak’s efforts of social inclusivity, one of the pillars within the PCDS 2030 where development programmes benefitted Sarawakians.
“We are fortunate to have UNIFOR which was established to assist other religions other than Islam in terms of funds to repair and upgrade houses of worship.
“It is also a body that brings people of different faiths to interact with each other.
“Hence, our government is very concerned about the welfare of other religions and appreciates the unity of people of different races and religions,” he said.
Uggah said this in his speech at the Closing Ceremony of Unity Week 2023 at Kuching Waterfront here yesterday (May 25).
“In Sarawak, we have 35 ethnic groups. As such, it is a big challenge for the government to maintain unity and avoid possible conflict.
“We are lucky that for the last 60 years, we have not experienced unwanted incidents like in other parts of the country.
“We have been able to co-exist together in peace and perfect harmony,” he said.
Therefore, he emphasised the government’s role was critical to ensure that conflicts among groups would not arise.
“Our Unity in Diversity is uniquely Sarawak. Unity and integrity are the main pillars to reach political stability, economic sustainability and social harmony in line with our PCDS 2023,” said the Deputy Premier.
At the same time, he also expressed gratitude and appreciation to all quarters for organising the Unity Week 2023 programme smoothly.
He also hoped that the programme could be organised here in Sarawak annually.
“I appeal to all to continue to be determined and work hard when organising a programme such as this.
“It helps to bring people of different backgrounds together to maintain the relationships among our diverse communities.
“I am confident that the unity and integrity programme can bear fruit if implemented with full commitment and consistency,” said Uggah.
Also present were Federal Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
