Deepavali cum anniversary dinner reflects multi-racial harmony

MIRI: The Sikh Association Miri (SAM) 28th anniversary dinner on Friday was a reflection of racial harmony amidst diverse ethnicities.

With a population of over 300 Sikhs in Miri City, the over 300 diners were undoubtedly Mirians of different races.

Guest-of-honour at the dinner held in conjunction with Deepavali was Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip who represented Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

Among those present were Pujut and Telang Usan state assemblymen Datuk Sebastian Ting and Dennis Ngau, mayor of Miri City Adam Yii, Antonio Kathi Galis president of Sarawak Bisaya Association, Dr. Philip Raja president of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, Datuk Alexander Maiyor president of Miri Melanau Association and Narmal Singh president of SAM and exco members.

Talib in his speech urged the association and Sarawakians in general to nurture the long established racial harmony and the unique ways of celebrating various festival together.

“Keep our unique ways of celebrating together augur well for racial harmony and unity. The government too renders help to all communities regardless of race or ethnicities,” said Talib.

At the function, he announced RM20,000 government grant from Awang Tengah, while Ting and Dennis also pledged RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively.

Narmal in his speech thanked the government and the people who had relentlessly gave strong support to the association.

“Our community’s existence including our association remain relevant due to the strong support of the government, people and members.

“SAM helps foster closer rapport among the Sikhs and other communities as well as serves as a platform to nurture our cultures and traditions. Through this association almost all of our children are able to dance,” he said.

Narmal hoped that the government will continue to provide financial assistance like scholarships for the Sikh community, adding that so far with the grants and land allocated to the community they are able to carry out many activities including education incentives.

Guests were entertained with cultural performances and won prizes at a lucky draw.