Page 54 - The Guide To Sarawak

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THE PEOPLE - FOREWORD
The cardinal characteristics of a modern state are: a defined territory; a permanent population; sovereignty; and a government. Of the four criteria the people are paramount; territory, sovereignty and government revolve around the people.
The people of modern Sarawak are differentiated by their ethnic origins. Our 27 ethnic groups include indigenous communities like the Iban, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu and various sub-groups (Bumiputera or “sons of the soil” in Malaysia), and non-indigenous communities comprising the Chinese, Indian, Sikh and Eurasian (non-Bumiputera). Together they form a microcosm of the people of the Malay archipelago. It is therefore a plural society - multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious.
Like the waters from many tributaries that flow into the mighty Rejang to form the longest, largest, deepest and busiest river in Malaysia, the people of Sarawak are blended and interwoven by a confluence of cultures into a socio-cultural fabric. They bring with them their rich historical genesis, cultural heritage, traditional customs, practices and lifestyles, and practice harmonious relationships and co-operative engagement. Hospitality, religious tolerance, mutual respect and kindness are vital values that characterize Sarawakians.
Notwithstanding the positive attributes depicted above, one must also be aware of globalizing forces that can impact on the people of any nation, including Sarawak. As we move further into the 21st Century, such vigilance is therefore important because the impending invasion of other cultures can also have its detrimental effects. However, the resilient people of Sarawak have history on their side and are able to judge for themselves what is good and what can be discarded. After all Sarawak is not only the “Land of Hornbills” but also the “Paradise for Peace”.
YB Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia Bin Awang Nassar
Speaker
State Legislative Assembly of Sarawak