Lee: Success of Chinese communities in S’wak due to joint efforts in culture preservation, education excellence

MIRI (Sept 28): Multi-dialectical Chinese communities in Sarawak are able to shine in the national and international stage due to their strong emphasis on culture preservation and education excellence through collective efforts, according to Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin

He said the hard work, sacrifices and resourcefulness of their forefathers have resulted in the growth of small towns such as Batu Niah in Sibuti into bustling economic hubs, and such values should be upheld by succeeding generations.

“Batu Niah Foochow Association has played a vital role among the Chinese community’s contribution in transforming Batu Niah town with barely two rows of shops 50 years ago to a bustling town currently,” he added when officiating the association’s 50th anniversary celebration dinner at Mega Hotel here on Wednesday.

He reminded that the contribution of past and current leaders should be remembered and appreciated by all.

Over the past 50 years, he said the association has not only contributed significantly to safeguarding the rights and interests of the Foochow community, promoted its culture and cohesiveness but also actively participated in social welfare works and made important contributions to the local economic and social development.

Such efforts and dedication have not only won respect and honour for their community but also deserve the deep admiration and gratitude from the society, he added.

Lee said associations play a key role in the preservation of language and culture of the Chinese communities in Sarawak which has even impressed people in China during his visits there.

This stems, he added, from the emphasis through associations that culture and education are integral to their objectives, including providing educational incentives to children of members apart from supporting Chinese medium schools.

Also present at the function were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew, Miri mayor Adam Yii, Federation of Foochow Associations of Malaysia President Dato Dong Sik Sin, Federation Of Foochow Associations of Sarawak president Kapitan Datuk Lau Sei Lok and Batu Niah Foochow Association president Kapitan Cheu Kuok Hoo.