KUCHING: Regardless of the diversity in terms of religion, culture and custom, Sarawakians are able to live together harmoniously as one big family under one roof.
President of Sarawak Human Development Organisation (PPIS) Manjeet Kaur Sidhu shared that Sarawakians share certain common traits that are difficult to find in other countries.
“Sarawakians are gentle, kind-hearted and understanding. They give high priority to universal traits like mutual respect, neighbourliness and tolerance,” she said via a press statement.
She added that it is also common to find the major religions such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism as well as Animism being practised owing to intermarriage.
“Owing to the common traits and universal values that each group subscribe to, it is no suprise that they are ever ready to lend a hand in helping one another especially in times of need such as when natural disasters happen like floods, or incidents like longhouse fires, or any other form of emergencies where quick assistance is of paramount importance,” she added.
She also shared that tolerance and mutual respect is seen even in religious practices and in politics, and differences are respected and allowed without discrimination.
“Economically, it is apparent that everyone is allowed self-determination without favour. And ‘prospering thy neighbour’ seems to be a goodwill motto in everyone’s mind,” she pointed out.
In such a state like Sarawak, Manjeet then shared that it is no surprise that these major festivities are celebrated as one big family where people take time to visit one another to foster goodwill and understanding.
“It is my ardent hope that Sarawakians will continue to live happily together, as they have always been, in the years ahead and continue to be mindful of avoiding sensitive issues. A house divided will not stand,” she explained.
