3 days Ago By churchill edward
Abang Johari (right) and other guests receive a lion dance’s welcome upon arrival at Kuching Waterfront. – Photo by Sarawak Premier’s Office KUCHING (Sept 17) The National Chinese Cultural Festival held here should be regarded as a platform for Sarawak to highlight its cultural heritage and also as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship and collaboration in nation-building, together with Sabah. Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this in his speech at the 39th National Chinese Cultural Festival’s grand finale gala at Kuching Waterfront last weekend.
“I’m sure that this festival is not only a platform for us to demonstrate our cultural heritage but also an opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship and collaboration in building this great country of Malaysia, together with Sabah, and our friends in ‘Semenanjung’ (Peninsular Malaysia). “When you talk about culture, it is intertwined with what we call a civilisation. The two are connected, and Chinese civilisation is known to have a very long history.
Confucius, regarded as one of the most important philosophers in human history, had emphasised values such as mutual respect, education, and also ways of us behaving as part of society.” Abang Johari also spoke about the connection between Chinese and Islamic philosophical traditions. “In Islamic civilisation, the Muslim philosopher Ibnu Khaldun shared the common values and ethics advocated by Confucius, with both emphasising on coexistence, social systems and ways for us to manage our economies and societies.
” Later at the event, the Premier handed over a cheque for RM10 million to the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Management Board, signifying the state government’s commitment to inclusive development and education..
