JOINING HANDS: Wong (centre) handing over the list of the newly appointed Sibu UCA committee members to its president Ting Huat Chie.
SIBU: United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu plays exemplary roles as a bridge between the people and the government and that politics has always been at the forefront in its endeavour to look after the interests of the Chinese community.
Saying this was Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh at the installation of the association’s new office bearers here Wednesday evening.
“The association is here to help guiding and ensuring that the development of the Chinese community will continue.
“There is no denying that most of its (UCA) decisions have strong influence on the political development in the country. Members, therefore, should close ranks and work towards the betterment of the Chinese community.”
Wong also reminded members to be more open-minded and refrain from being emotional or too personal when dealing with issues.
“Sometimes, we just have to accept changes. We must not criticise every government policy just because they do not benefit us directly. We must look at the bigger picture…the whole Chinese community. There is no government in the world that implements policies for the benefit of only certain people.
As a top Chinese political leader in the state, Wong said he was worried about the lack of Chinese representation in the state cabinet.
“People are saying that we (Chinese) no longer command any influence in the cabinet, that we are playing the role of the opposition more. It’s time we work together to change that perception and win back the trust of the majority of the Chinese people so that we can continue to remain strong.”
On the prime minister’s visit here today, Wong called on the people to turn up in full force to welcome him whom he described as one who had brought tremendous development to the country since taking power.
“Our prime minister is a man with a vision. He is not only close to the people at heart but he has also implemented many changes such as amendment to the Printing and Publishing Act, the abolishment of ISA and many other good policies that have affected the people’s livelihood.”
While here, the prime minister is scheduled to have a walkabout and have breakfast at Sibu Central Market before opening SJK (C) Thai Kwang’s new building at Upper Lanang Road.
Later, Wong presented RM50,000 grant to the UCA and RM5,000 to each of its youth and women’s wings.