The association’s new committee members recite their oaths before (from left) Tan Kai, Lo and Temenggong Tan.
In stating this, Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian also believes that the community deserves the support from and the inclusion in the government as far as development is concerned, in that they have been contributing significantly to Sarawak – and Malaysia as a whole – in areas such as taxes.
“The Chinese population in Sarawak is declining due to various factors; still, we are the biggest taxpayers. So it is important for us to unite and not be put at a disadvantage in all aspects of development,” he spoke at a dinner gathering of Lui Chiu Association Sarawak at Crown Square here on Friday.
Dr Sim’s message was delivered by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Tan Kai.
“The government has brought about a multifaceted development to improve both urban and rural areas. So, don’t just stand there and ‘tengok sahaja’ (only look),” he said.
Dr Sim also disclosed that the government had distributed RM1 million in allocation to 15 schools across the Batu Kawah state constituency – where he is the assemblyman – in the first three months of this year, and approved a flood mitigation project worth RM13 million for Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang.
“On top of that, there is an annual allocation of RM5 million under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) – each for Batu Kawah and Batu Kitang (state) constituencies.
“The Chief Minister (Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg) recently announced the setup of DBOS (Development Bank of Sarawak). It is high time for Sarawak to gain a form of financial autonomy in order to move our economy,” he further said.
Dr Sim also emphasised that it is crucial for the Chinese to be in mainstream politics to enjoy development.
He said under the leadership of former chief minister, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Sarawak had ‘toughened up, commanding appreciation and respect from Peninsular Malaysia’.
“Now they are reacting positively to the various bold moves we have made in our policies. It was Adenan and his achievements that had, in fact, paved the way for Sarawak to go forth without fear today.
“We want to be the best state in Malaysia – a leading state, one that others can look up to and follow,” Dr Sim added.
Meanwhile, the gathering also hosted the installation of the association’s committee for the 2017-2019 term, as well as the launch of its website and presentation of education incentives to 19 outstanding primary and secondary schoolchildren.
Batu Kitang assemblyman and also Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Lui Chiu Association Sarawak chairman Tay Ah Tai, event organising chairman Goh Hui Kim and Temenggong Tan Joo Phoi were among those present.
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