KUCHING: Unity is the nation’s main asset that should be cultivated by all Malaysians for a better future, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The King said it was important for everyone to put aside their differences for the sake of the nation.
“We should close the gap between us and reduce our differences, irrespective of race or religion,” he said when launching the National Unity Week celebration at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.
Sultan Abdullah added that unity, like charity, begins at home.
“There’s an English saying that charity begins at home. Let me adapt it to say that unity begins at home,” he said.
The King also launched the celebration’s theme song Setia Perpaduan, which was composed by Datuk DJ Dave with lyrics by Dr Lim Swee Tin.
Hundreds of visitors thronged the venue and the adjoining Darul Hana pedestrian bridge to join the celebration, with many dressed in their respective traditional attire.
The ceremony began with a welcoming dance by young performers swaying to the beats and melodies of Sarawak’s various ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau and Malay.
There was also a sketch, featuring a young boy learning the meaning of unity in diversity from his grandfather.
Towards the end of the ceremony, songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was joined on stage by other celebrities including Jaclyn Victor, Alvin Chong and Stacy to perform a song.
Among those present were Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Earlier, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said unity in diversity was a key aspect of the government’s efforts to build Malaysia Madani.
He said the unity week celebration was the ministry’s signature programme to foster understanding, tolerance and mutual respect among Malaysians of various races, faiths and cultures.
“Unity should be a way of life and practice for all Malaysians. The royal institution, leaders and people must come together to plant the seeds of unity.
“Everything we do today is an investment for future generations to inherit a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he added.
Aaron also said the celebration included two attempts to set new records in the Malaysia Book of Records.
One is for the most participants wearing ethnic attire at an event and the other is the most participation by ethnic groups in a cultural exhibition.
