Kuching purr-fect as ‘City of Unity’
Local dignitaries seated on the stage.
KUCHING: The historic declaration of Kuching as the world’s first ‘City of Unity’ is an honour, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, as he has seen the ‘Cat City’ transform from a sleepy hollow into a peaceful benchmark of diversity in troubled times.
“This is a happy day for us in Kuching, a day to celebrate. And you deserve it because it is not easy to be proclaimed a City of Unity for there are conditions to meet. And we have met all the 12 conditions,” he said at the 27th City Day celebration.
“I want all of you to smile because this is a historic day for Kuching – the most beautiful, cleanest, and the most vibrant city in Malaysia famous for kolo mee, terubok masin, kek lapis… and Adenan Satem.”
The Chief Minister called on Sarawakians to continue to uphold their beliefs in unity in diversity and be an example for the rest of the country.
“We are indeed honoured to be chosen as the city in our country to be the number one in terms of how to live in harmony with one another. Let us, in these troubled times, when there is tension among races, religions and cultures, show them how to live together in peace and harmony.
“Let us be an example to the rest of Malaysia, that we believe in unity and in diversity. Even though we are diverse, several cultures and so on, we can and we will live together in unity and in peace.”
The Kuching Festival flag-raising ceremony.
He said people loved Sarawak for the state’s peaceful nature.
“We want to attract foreign investors, foreign tourists and so on to come here. (Tourism Minister Datuk Amar) Abang Johari (Tun Openg) is working very hard to attract these people. We must maintain this city, a vibrant city not only for tourists and foreigners but also for ourselves.”
The 71-year-old pointed out that he has lived in Kuching his entire life, except for five years furthering his studies overseas and two years in Kuala Lumpur.
“I can tell you Kuching was just a sleepy hollow when I was a young man, and it has become a mammoth city. I have seen how a sleepy hollow became a vibrant city, thanks to the past mayors. I can remember them — William Tan, Ong Kee Hui, Marican Salleh, Song Swee Guan and a lot more including my father who was a vice-president of KMC – Kuching Municipal Council.
“We thank them for their service and now especially (Kuching South Mayor Datuk) James Chan and (Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk) Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai,” he said.
Adenan added that given the commitment and dedication of both Chan and Abang Wahap, the state government had extended their appointments: “Not bad, but (they) do not ask for a pay raise.”
Adenan addresses the crowd during the City Day do.
Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/08/02/kuching-purr-fect-as-city-of-unity/#ixzz3hozqz0ZF
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