Awang Tengah: Festive Activities Unite Community Feelings for a Harmonious Sarawak

(Miri, 19th) Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah pointed out that festive events such as the Hari Raya Puasa Dinner are not only joyful gatherings but also crucial platforms for building relationships and strengthening unity among different communities.

 

"The joy of Hari Raya is not just reflected in the celebrations but more importantly in the connection and reunion between people." He emphasized that Sarawak has long maintained a culture of harmonious co-existence across ethnic groups, which should continue to be cherished and preserved.

 

As the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, as well as the Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment, he made these remarks while attending the "2025 Hari Raya Puasa Dinner" organized by the Lawas Anak Jati Association (Persatuan Anak Jati Lawas) in Miri as the guest of honor.

 

In his speech, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also shared several ongoing or upcoming development projects in Northern Sarawak, including the construction of coastal roads, new port planning, improvement initiatives for communication networks and water supply systems, as well as major investments in education and healthcare.

 

He reiterated that the state government is moving towards the goal of becoming an advanced and high-income state by 2030, aligning with the "Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030" (PCDS 2030).

 

"We want to ensure that everyone in Sarawak can share the fruits of development, whether it be in education, economic opportunities, or basic infrastructure development, no group should be marginalized."

 

The "2025 Hari Raya Puasa Dinner" hosted by the Lawas Anak Jati Association attracted approximately 400 guests from various ethnic groups and social strata, reflecting the multicultural and harmonious characteristics of Sarawak society.

 

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also particularly urged young people, especially the younger generation of Lawas descendants, to maintain their identity and cultural roots while actively enhancing their skills and knowledge to contribute to the future development of Sarawak.

 

"We must remember our heritage and culture. While we should adapt to the diverse social environment, we must not abandon our traditional values and cultural identity."

Previously, the chairman of the Lawas Anak Jati Association, Narawi Abu Bakar, in his speech, expressed gratitude to Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, who is also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and the Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Ports, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, for his continuous financial and developmental support to the association, assisting in the smooth progress of various plans and activities.

He said that last night, more than 300 members and family members gathered, and community leaders and representatives of friendly organizations closely cooperating with the association were also invited. This was not only an occasion to celebrate the festival but also a good opportunity to promote friendship and unity.

He also introduced the background and mission of the association. Since its establishment in 2016, the Lawas Anak Jati Association has been committed to improving the welfare, education, economic and social development of its members, and has actively promoted various community care and charity projects. He stated that in recent years, the association's welfare team has played a key role in assisting in the repatriation of deceased members' remains to Lawas, successfully arranging the return of 24 remains so far. He particularly thanked the committee of the Falah Mosque in Kampong Tunku Fuad Seberg, and during the event, certificates of appreciation and commemorative plaques were awarded to them.

He pointed out that in 2025, the association has successfully held six events, including distributing supplies during the fasting month, Hari Raya dinners and prayer activities, a recognition ceremony, volunteer cleaning days, etc. The next 10 plans cover education, environmental protection, and social participation, including supporting Miri Car-Free Day, Hajj animal sacrifice ceremony, women's cooking workshops, birthday parades, family and sports days, excellent student workshops, education forums, and beach cleaning movements in collaboration with educational institutions.

He emphasized that education is one of the key areas of focus for the association, and also the key for Lawas citizens to achieve transformation and progress. The association actively responds to the slogan "At least one university student per household," and citing the concept of education expert Mick McFarlane, states that quality education requires systematic and sustained promotion. A Lawas youth, Awangku Mohamad Shafiq, who achieved outstanding results with 9 A+s in the Malaysian Education Certificate in 2023, was specially commended on site, becoming the pride of the entire community.

He stated that the association will continue to take enhancing civic awareness, promoting volunteer spirit, and social responsibility as its duty, rallying the strength of the Lawas community to jointly build a united, progressive, and hopeful community.

He also hopes that the government and all sectors will continue to support the development of the association, bringing more positive and long-term impacts to the Lawas community in Miri.

Other guests attending the evening event included Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Datuk Awang Bujang, Deputy Mayor Julaihi Ariffin, and Lawas Anak Jati Association chairman Narawi Abu Bakar, among others.