KUCHING: The peaceful coexistence and cooperation among Sarawak's diverse communities will allow the state to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The Deputy Premier said this spirit of togetherness or "Segulai Sejalai" was indispensable for Sarawak to achieve greater progress and prosperity.
He said this was an important lesson from Sarawak's history, which was marked by internecine fighting.
"About 100 years ago, our forefathers faced tribal conflicts and those related to spiritual beliefs such as headhunting, social status and honour, as well as territorial and resource conflicts.
"These resulted in endless violent situations," he said at a seminar on peace at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Kapit Peacemaking Agreement at the Civic Centre in Kapit on Friday (Dec 6).
The celebration marks the treaty signed by the Iban and Orang Ulu (Kayan, Kenyah and Kajang) communities on Nov 16, 1924, ending the hostilities between them.
Uggah said there was already a clear pattern of conflicts when James Brooke started to rule Sarawak in 1841.
He said the Brooke administration, which also faced opposition from local leaders, resorted to punitive expeditions to quell uprisings and rebellion.
At the same time, he said, numerous attempts were made to end the conflicts through peacemaking ceremonies.
"During the peacemaking ceremonies, warring leaders exchanged valuable jars and killed pigs ('bebanchak babi') in front of the Rajah as a sign of their promise to keep the peace.
"The most impactful and lasting peacemaking ceremony was held 100 years ago in Kapit, which we commemorate today.
"This was the beginning of a new journey, one that led towards reconciliation, healing and unity," Uggah said.
He described the event as a groundbreaking moment in Sarawak's history as it brought together leaders and warriors from the different ethnic groups to formally agree to end all hostilities.
Uggah also said Sarawak had come a long way since then, as the resulting peace created a safe environment, promoted economic growth and fostered social harmony.
"This is the valuable lesson we learnt. We must have peace, which is the foundation for us to move forward," he said.
Uggah said Sarawak now faced different challenges such as climate change, technological advancements, food security and income disparity.
He called on the Dayaks to work together among themselves and with other communities to benefit from the state's post-Covid-19 development strategy.
"This is a comprehensive strategy that provides betterment opportunities for all," he added.
