Abang Wahap (left) takes questions during the audience, as Azmi listens.

KUCHING: The state capital deserves its ‘City of Unity’ status based on what it has achieved since its elevation into a city 27 years ago.

Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said the honour, which was declared by the 1Malaysia Foundation on Aug 1 this year, was based on a principle in which unity and harmony had always been the starting point of bringing Malaysians together.

“Such awareness should be maintained and sustained. Unity is not easy (to attain) and should not be taken for granted. Many countries like the war-torn Syria are suffering because of disunity.

“Most importantly, care should be taken in discussing the 3Rs – race, religion and regions,” he said during a forum at Pustaka Negeri here yesterday, jointly hosted by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and state Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

The ‘Wacana Fikrah Ummah 8/2015’, which discussed on ‘City of Unity in the Context of Multiraces’, was chaired by DBP Magazine Section chief editor Azmi Ibrahim. It was attended by some 100 people.

The forum opened with Abdul Wahap relating the history of the state capital, as well as its present achievements and the aspiration for the city in the future.

Back on the ‘City of Unity’ status, the Datuk Bandar said it would benefit the city in terms tourism.

The forum concluded with a question-answer session between the speakers and some members of the audience.