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Unity and Sarawakians

Sarawakian at Heart, Kuala Lumpur

SO much has been been said about the strong unity among the ethnic groups in Sarawak. As a Sarawakian who has stayed for many years in the peninsula, I think the main reason for this is the joy Sarawakians feel in co-existing, protecting each other’s interest and interacting well despite the differences.

The best thing about life in Sarawak is that the issue of race is seldom raised unlike in the peninsula. In fact, those who actually raise the issue in Sarawak end up feeling awkward and embarrassed.

Unity has always been very well maintained. Nobody there is “naive” enough to cross the line and everyone is happy to stay unified.

All Sarawakians have learned to think Sarawakian, and to know there is more to benefit from unity than to get embroiled in parochialism which may result in a long-standing feud.

Another reason for the unity is perhaps the high incidence of inter-marriages between the different ethnic groups. Most families have at least one member married to someone of another ethnic group or is born of an inter-racial marriage.

Marriages have always cemented ties between peoples. The colourful mix of the people of Sarawak has also made the State a tourist attraction.

I am amazed at the gaiety at every Gawai Dayak celebration and how Sarawakians would join in to make it a happy and memorable experience.

All other celebrations, be they Chinese, Dayak, Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan or Kenyah festivals, are observed by everyone in good spirit. If there’s a lesson in unity, the Land of the Hornbills has much to teach us.



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