Yong focussing on charity, welfare work

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FULL CONCENTRATION: Yong lights the ceremonial lantern as part of the Chariot Festival celebrations.

KUCHING: Former Deputy Works Minister Dato Yong Khoon Seng may have retired from the government, but he has not retired from life.

Speaking at the Sixth Annual Sri Jagannath Rathayatra at Iskcon Multipurpose Hall here on Saturday, Yong said he would continue his charity work although it would be out of his own pocket in the absence of government funding.

“My life from now on is in Kuching. I will be serving mostly in welfare and charitable organisations, including religious bodies,” he said, adding that he would do whatever he could to help anyone who approaches him.

Yong played a significant role in helping Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Kuching get their multipurpose hall, which is located at Jalan Ketitir.

At the function, he announced a personal donation of RM5,000 for the installation of an air-conditioning system for their rooms which are being used to hold classes.

The annual Sri Jagannath Rathayatra, or Chariot Festival, is celebrated internationally.

Also present at the ceremony were Iskcon Malaysia regional secretary Simheswara das Prabu and Iskcon Kuching president Prabhu Kripa Sindhu Krishna.

SUPP Batu Lintang branch chairman Sih Hua Tong also attended.