SIBU: There is no room for extremism and radicalism in Sarawak society, said Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
“Those elements, especially those from Semenanjung Malaysia, are only in the minority and our chief minister has made it a point to bar them from coming.”
Wong, who is also Local Government and Community Development Minister, said this when opening Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) Sibu Tradex 2015 at Sibu Town Square Phase II on Thursday night.
Among those present were Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee and Sibu Tradex event organising chairman David Tiong. Wong said BCF was an expression of racial unity.
“It is a clear manifestation of all communities with different cultural and religious backgrounds working together to promote further understanding among them,” he said.
“They can forge ahead with social cohesion to move Sibu forward in years to come.”
Wong said Sibu Tradex 2015 showcased lots of heavy machinery, automobiles, retail trade, food and beverage items and handicrafts.
He suggested that it be held twice a year.
Strategically located in the central region of Sarawak, Sibu has a large hinterland starting from Simalaju in the north to Tanjong Manis in the south, encompassing large areas where lands had opened up rapidly for plantations and agriculture.
“Sibu is therefore an ideal place to organise this event to showcase the latest products and goods.”
Wong touched on the importance of having a habit of lifelong learning to be more employable.
He said some of the technical fields may be outdated but the addition of new fields would make it easier for the people to move from one job to another.
Wong praised SMC for taking the bold decision to postpone Visit Sibu Year 2016 to 2017 as several things had to be sorted out such as air connectivity, tourism infrastructure and places of interest.-Borneo Post
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