KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP ) Women Central Chairman Cr. Kho Teck Wan (pic) put up a challenge to all Sarawakians to step up and become the guardian of Sarawak’s identity.
Kho said Sarawak’s unique identity is especially represented by its distinctive historical development, diverse culture and ethnicity thus Sarawakians must know the fundamentals of our tradition, culture, as well as our history that led to the formation of Malaysia.
“We have a lot to do as many young Sarawakians still do not know the significance of Sarawak Day (22nd July), Malaysia Day (16th September) or that the Hari Merdeka (31st August) is actually the Independence Day of the Malaya and not for Sarawak.
Since Sarawak is one of the founding members of Malaysia, it is imperative that Sarawakians know how Malaysia was formed.
“We must educate our youngsters as we are count ing on them to continue our efforts to safeguard Sarawak.However, it is generally felt that the current history textbook still lacks comprehensive coverage on Sarawak’s history.
As such, Kho urges the Sarawak Government to consider increasing the school children’s exposure on Sarawak’s culture and history via after school curriculum through supplementary materials, direct experiences, films and other computer programmes,” she said.
She added that Sarawak has over 40 sub-ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle. The unique cultures and practices may face the risk of diminishing as more and more youths from rural areas move to urban areas for continuous education and work.
It is therefore very important for the children to understand where their ancestors come from, and why they celebrate certain holidays and practice certain religious activities.
“ As frequently mentioned by the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, ‘Ini Sarawak punya olang, bisi Melayu, bisi orang Cina, bisi orang Dayak, bisi orang Bidayuh, duduk sama, minum sama, makan sama, cari amoi pun sama’.
“ Diversity is our strength; by introducing Sarawak’s cultural and history to school children will further help us understand each other better, and help to continue maintain Sarawak’s unity in diversity. In this regards, SUPP Women Central will also organise more activities focusing on Sarawak’s history and cultures.
