SIBU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has stressed the importance of preserving racial harmony and unity, describing it as a unique strength that must be safeguarded for the people’s well-being.
He said Sarawak’s multiracial society has long lived in peace and mutual respect, and urged all parties not to create unnecessary issues that could threaten unity.
“In Sarawak, our people are very united and this unity and harmony must be maintained,” he said, adding that unnecessary matters should not be turned into political issues.
He said this at his Chinese New year visit to the residence of PDP senior vice-president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh on Friday (February 20).
Tiong stressed that political parties must prioritise the interests of the people and avoid creating misunderstandings among different races or across political platforms.
“Regardless of which party, we must not jeopardise the people’s interests. We must not create unnecessary misunderstanding among all races,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining unity within political parties themselves, noting that internal harmony is crucial to ensuring stability and public confidence.
Meanwhile Wong highlighted Sarawak’s distinct social fabric, describing racial harmony in the state as exceptional, where people of different backgrounds live side by side peacefully.
He cited the late former Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem, fondly known as Tok Nan, who described the state’s spirit of togetherness as “makan bersama, main bersama, cari amoi pun bersama”, reflecting unity in everyday life.
Wong who is Bawang Assan assemblyman said such diversity and harmony should continue to be preserved as a model of “unity in diversity” for future generations.
