DALAT: There used to be an area in the middle of Dalat town overgrown with tall trees and it was considered horror by some residents passing through the area.
But now, thanks to the efforts of the local residents and Dalat assemblywoman Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the area has been developed and the surrounding conditions have been improved to make it more lively to be used as a recreation area for the public.
Named Taman Solidariti or Solidarity Park, it is now equipped with pedestrian and seating areas for the public. Additionally, Fatimah even voiced out her plan to build roofing around the pedestrian walkway in the park.
Today (Dec 12), Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan officiated the park by planting trees as a symbolic inauguration, and he quite admired the unity that remains in Dalat until today.
Fatimah, who is also the Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, described the park as a symbol of the existence of strong racial and religious tolerance in Dalat.
She said the park was planned as a symbol of unity of the main races that existed and became the backbone of the Dalat area.
“The park was designed as a symbol of unity and solidarity and in the garden, there are four corners representing the four major ethnic groups, namely the Melanaus, Malays, Chinese and Ibans highlighted by the size of the tiles,” she told Suara Sarawak when met after the event.
Earlier, each race was also highlighted through their traditional dances and traditional costumes performed by young people in Dalat during the event.
Fatimah, at the same time, also stressed that everyone is responsible in taking care of the environment especially the Solidarity Park.
“We know the existence of this fig tree in the centre of the park is scary but if we try to take advantage of the beauty of the tree that have existed in Dalat since donkey years, we can work on beautifying this park and appreciate the environment well.
“We also do not want these trees to be cut down despite various efforts made and it is better that we beautify this area so that the public can use it as a recreation area, place of business and a meeting place,” she explained.
She further hoped that with the park, it will be an additional attraction with the Bazaarnita Fatima next to it which provides 42 lots for women to trade, and the magnificent Dalat Waterfront.
It is understood that the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will be officiating the Dalat Waterfront and Bazaarnita Fatima on Dec 19.
