Abang Johari’s leadership benefits Chinese community

MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership, along with his compassionate state policies, have greatly supported the Chinese culture, education, and religious beliefs.

This support has allowed the community to flourish alongside all other races in the state.

James Hii, the Presiding Chairman and Organising Chairman of the 20th World Xu Clannish Convention, said that Abang Johari’s leadership was the reason the multiracial society in Sarawak continues to enjoy harmonious living among all.

“His (Abang Johari) visions and philosophies on governance, second to none, should definitely be an inspiration and model to the world at large, especially on current geopolitics,” he said this at the inauguration ceremony for ‘The Inheritance’—a monument of a hundred family surnames—at the Miri City Fan here today (Dec 16), which was witnessed by Abang Johari and other distinguished guests.

According to Hii, the Miri Koh Yang Xu Clan Association won the bid in Taiwan back in 2018 to host the 20th World Xu Clan Convention for 2020 in Miri, from Dec 15 to 17 this year.

To commemorate the association’s hosting of this grand convention, they initiated the erection of the monument, marking the occasion with full support from all Clans and the endorsement of the Miri Municipal Council and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.

“In Miri alone, we found 130 clans (Chinese family surnames) out of 504 surnames recognised worldwide, and they are being inscribed on the monument. This record will go into the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR).

“The monument represents the legacy of ethics, aspiration, wisdom, and missions of our ancestors who chose this land to settle. We hope it will continue to inspire our future generations to amalgamate into the larger community wherever we are, without forgetting our heritage,” he added.

The Inheritance was shaped like a lateen sail and leaf to symbolise the Chinese tradition of pursuing the future while bearing the teachings and culture from the past in mind. The design was inspired by elements of China’s traditional culture, where yachts, one of the most important means of transportation in Chinese history, represent the long history and tradition of Chinese culture.

Junks were not only carriers of trade culture; they also facilitated communication and collaboration among regions. Therefore, a junk is regarded as the symbol of carrying and conveying Chinese culture.

Leaves, the symbol of life, represent rebirth and growth. Their inclusion in the design emphasises the continuous development and growth of culture—a symbol of future hope and prosperity.

The monument of the hundred family surnames is one of the most significant cultural heritages in Chinese culture. It is closely related to the inheritance and advancement of Chinese clan culture in terms of education, social status, and more. Hence, it is regarded as an important component of Chinese culture.

Among those present were the Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Miri Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii; Project Director and Permanent Honorary Chairman of the Miri Division Koh Yang Xu Clan Association Datuk Hii King Chiong; Presiding President and Chairman of the Miri Division Koh Yang Xu Clan Association Khor Ooi Loong; Former Chief Minister of Penang Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon; and President of The World Hsu Clannish Association Hsui Sen Jong.