SIBU: Close cooperation between political leaders and government employees in carrying out their duties is an important aspect in achieving common goals and ensuring the satisfaction of the entire community.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee admitted that meeting the needs of all parties is not easy, let alone ensuring the satisfaction of the entire community.

However, he stressed the importance of close cooperation between political leaders and government employees, despite different approaches, in order to achieve a common goal, which is to meet the needs of the people.

“Although the approaches used may be different, what is important is the impact and results of the work that meet the needs of the people as a whole.

“That is the goal, objective and trust that we must shoulder as leaders and civil servants,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Berlanggar Meja Warna-Warni Riang Hari Raya Aidilfitriq organised by the Sibu Division Government Members’ Welfare and Sports Council (MAKSAK) on Friday.

He also described the organisation of the event as the first of its kind since he became the people’s representative in Sibu, and congratulated the Resident’s Office and all departments involved for the success of organising the major programme.

Highlighting the value of harmony in Sarawak, he stressed that the state has always practised the concept of tolerance and close cooperation between races.

He also suggested that such events should also be organised during the Gawai Dayak, Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations as an effort to strengthen ties among government employees.

“We in Sibu still have a lot of work to do and this can only be achieved through the cooperation of all parties – from community leaders to department heads,” he added.

He concluded his speech with a prayer that the existing cooperation could be strengthened for the smooth development of Sibu town and once again congratulated all those involved in the success of the event.

Approximately 3000 attendees consisting of civil servants and families enlivened the event.

The event was also filled with the Best Agency Raya Stall Competition, Raya Song Performance by the MAKSAK Choir, Open Karaoke Raya Song and Rascom Camp Band Performance, Best Dressed Jejaka Segak (Male) and Jelitawan Ayu Raya (Female) and Children and Lucky Draw.

There were 24 stalls competing, and five stalls were selected by the jury to win the best stall.

Among them were the Sibu Municipal Council, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MySED), the Land & Survey Department, the Sibu Water Board and the Department of National Unity and National Integration.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Public Health and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Bawang Assan Assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Ngemah Assemblyman Anyi Jana, as well as Sibu Division Resident and Sibu Division MAKSAK Chairman Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. -UKASnews