MIRI: The state government encourages the advancement of every ethnic culture in Sarawak because it sees unity in diversity as a reality among the various communities.
“That is why under the visionary leadership of our chief minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who had initiated the Ethnic Symposium for all the major ethnic groups in Sarawak every five years. The state government recognises the important of ethnic cultures of its people. If we don't preserve our cultural heritage, we lose our identity,” said the deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu ak Numpang.
He said this when officiating the 2nd Sarawak Kenyah Cultural Festival at the Civic Centre yesterday.
Also present were the deputy minister of International Trade and Industries Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, the assistant minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) and Land Development Sylvester Entri ak Muran, the Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok, the political secretary of the chief minister Robert Laing Anyie, the Miri Resident Ganie Ugay , the organising chairman Kennedy Chuk Pai Ugon, the president of the Kenyah National Association (PKKS) Marcus Gau Lian, the Orang Ulu paramount chief of Baram Temenggong Pahang Ding and several Kenyah community leaders.
Jabu said Sarawak has the richest cultural tradition which is recognised internationally. He recounted how 35 years ago he was instrumental in sending two Kenyah sape players from Long Makaba to play in Tokyo, Japan.
“That was 35 years ago. Now, the Orang Ulu community will have the Sape Academy in Miri soon,” said Jabu.
The deputy chief minister reminded the Kenyah community to always put the education of their children as the top priority even though the community is very strong in preserving their culture like the dance and songs.
“Human capacity building is vital for the country to progress and become competitive in this very challenging era. On one hand, it is good that we preserve our culture but on the other hand we must not neglect the education of our children,” said Jabu.
He announced a minor rural project (MRP) grant amounting RM5,000 to the association for having successfully organised the three-day festival.
Jabu commended the organising committee for choosing the slogan “Cha Peng, Cha Tawai, Cha Kenyah” because it is in tandem with the spirit of 1Malaysia.
Any community that seeks to foster unity will be supported by the government for it is in the spirit of unity and wanting to share with one another we can progress, said Jabu.ENDS.
Caption: UNIQUE CULTURE: Jabu( centre) trying the "jatung lutang". Also seen on his right is Jacob and on his left is Marcus.
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