SERIAN, April 11 — Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem has described the people of Sarawak as “very lucky” because they were not split by race, religion and tradition.

“We have been living in peace and harmony and we must keep it that way. Do not follow the attitude of some groups and individuals in West Malaysia who are quarrelling every day.

“They (West Malaysians) should emulate our example in Sarawak,” he said, reiterating his stand that as long as he was chief minister, he would not allow racists and extremists to come over to Sarawak.

He said this at the Pesta Birumuh Serian 2015 (Paddy Planting Festival) at the Serian Mini Stadium here today.

More than 10,000 people, including Bidayuh leaders attended the event.

Earlier at the festival, Adenan declared the Serian and Tebedu district, together with the Siburan sub-district would become a new division in the state.

“Today, April 11, 2015 is a historical day for Serian because on this day, I declare and on from this day onwards, Serian and Tebedu district, together with Siburan sub-district become Serian Division,” he said to the beat of gongs and drums/gendang, followed by a 10-minute display of firecrackers at the mini-stadium.

“You wish is granted. If there is the Samarahan Division for the Malay community, Kapit for Iban, Sibu for Chinese, Mukah for Melanau and Miri for the Orang Ulu, then Serian should be for the Bidayuh.

“The Bidayuh deserve to have its own division because you want to be recognised in Malaysia and Sarawak,” noted Adenan.

In his speech, Adenan also announced a RM2 million grant to the Bidayuh Community through the Dayak Bidayuh National Association for its education fund.        

Adenan reminded the 200,000-odd Bidayuh in Sarawak to be proud of their race, tradition and past, while commending the community to be able to work and live together harmoniously with other races in the state.

Meanwhile, Adenan said the state government was discussing with ferry operators in the state to charge a mere RM1 fee, besides the ongoing discussion to abolish toll and the state government’s claim for 10 per cent petroleum and gas royalty from Petronas.

He said Petronas promised to award contracts worth RM2.1 billion to Sarawak companies and an RM50 million allocation for a technical school in Sarawak. — Bernama