‘Unity stands as true foundation of Sarawak's stability, progress'
MIRI (July 8): Sarawak's remarkable transformation from a resources-based state to a leader in high technology, green energy and smart city development is only possible through strong unity of its people, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Speaking at the Miri Foochow annual dinner cum installation of its main committee, youth, women and senior citizen's wings on Sunday, Ting emphasised the collective spirit and close cooperation among the state's diverse communities including the Malay, Iban, Dayak, as well as various Chinese clan groups, as the true foundation of the state's stability and progress.
Talking specifically about the Foochow community's well-known 'dare to fight, dare to win' spirit, he said this had 'contributed greatly to the journey'.
'We must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, respecting and supporting each other, so that Sarawak can remain vibrant, harmonious and full of hope,' said the Piasau assemblyman, who is also a Foochow.
He further described the community's resilience and entrepreneurship as being symbolised by the 'three knives: the scissors, the kitchen knives and the barber knives' – all representing the Foochow people's determination of building a better life from humble beginning.
'This is not a legendary tale, but a true reflection of the hard work and the fighting spirit of the Foochows, which have been passed down from one generation to the next.'
Also present at the event was the association's chairman Wong Chie Bin.
The dinner was made extra significant when the Foochow Porridge was served as one of the dishes.
Known as 'Aojiu', the sweet porridge is a unique tradition of the community, served early on the 29th day of the first lunar month.
Made as ancestral offerings or as gifts to relatives and friends, this dish's main ingredients comprise glutinous rice and brown sugar, with additional items such as peanuts, red dates, water chestnuts, sesame seeds and longan. Foochow green energy lead Sebastian Ting stability unity
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