Dr Jerip (second left) lighting the ceremonial lamp, kuthu vilakku, with some help from IAK president Anthony Ramanair (second right). Looking on are organising chairman R Nadison (left) and committee member R Nagappan (right).
KUCHING: The presence of the Indian community, although small, adds to the beauty of Sarawak and contributes to its unity.
Speaking during the joint New Year gathering for Indians here, Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the size of the community is not important because the Indians also value unity as much as every other ethnic group here.
The event, organised by the Indian Association of Kuching (IAK) in collaboration with various Indian-based organisations here, was attended by more than 400 people.
“Everyone is concerned about unity because it is one of the most fragile elements in our state. It is fragile because of so many different languages and inflammatory conditions,” he said.
Dr Jerip added Sarawakians are keenly aware of the importance of unity and that the colour of their skin doesn’t matter at the end of the day.
“Our survival depends on that element of unity. That is what is unique about Sarawak. We must not forget that unity is our strong point. Without it, we are going to fall instead of progressing, like how we are today.”
Dr Jerip commended the cultural performances and ethnic costume fashion show which represented various Indian ethnic groups.
“I am happy to learn that you have an academy and a culture. When there is no identity of culture, and no handing over of traditions and language, future generations will one day wonder what their culture is about.”
He added that any ethnic group that does not understand their identity forgets who they are and what their culture is.
“When they have lost their identity, they would not know how to how to fight for their rights, struggle for themselves, their community, and nation building.”
Dr Jerip announced an allocation of RM20,000 to IAK to carry on their work. Earlier on, event organising chairman R Nadison said it was the first time that all the various Indian groups in Kuching celebrated the Indian New Year together.
“Hopefully this will start a new trend. We found that we can work together, so this augurs well for us,” he said. IAK hopes to attract more young people to work together with it and contribute to the development of the community.