Sarawak ensures the identity of each ethnic group is preserved

KUCHING, 11 Nov: The Government of Sarawak continues to commit itself to preserving the heritage, official customs and identity of the multi-racial community in the state through the development of facilities and cultural centers that allow each community to maintain its uniqueness.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the initiative reflects the state government's concern to ensure that every community has an opportunity to preserve and pass on cultural treasures to future generations.

He said that besides Sarawak's Malay Wisma, the state government also supported the development of several other cultural facilities including Panggau Dayak in Kuching, Orang Ulu Cultural Centre (FORUM) in Miri, Bidayuh Cultural Centre in Bau, Mazu Temple and Lebuk Melanau in Kuching.

"This reflects the concern of the Government of Sarawak in ensuring that each community is given space and opportunity to preserve its heritage, customs and identity", he said.

He said this while addressing the official Sarawak Malay Wisma Council here, tonight.

Awang Tengah who is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sarawak Malay Culture Foundation (AKYBMS) said that the cultural diversity of Sarawak is not an obstacle to unification, but rather a force that unites the people of the state.

He said that the progress of a state is not only measured by physical and economic development, but also depends on society's ability to value history, preserve identity and ensure cultural heritage continues to be handed down to future generations.

"The efforts of the Government of Sarawak in preserving the heritage of each of these communities are significant because the progress of a state is not only measured through physical and economic development, but also through its ability to cherish history, preserve identity and ensure that cultural heritage continues to be inherited by future generations", he said. -TVS