Lee shares a light moment with senior citizen Wong Sam Ieng, accompanied by Ten (right) and Lai (centre).
MIRI: Some 300 members of Miri Guang Ning Association and their families had a whale of a time during a Chinese New Year gathering at Boulevard Restaurant here on Saturday.
The highlights of the evening included the presentation of ‘ang pow’ to 20 senior citizens and incentives to 10 bright students.
The gathering was graced by Assistant Communication Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, and among those present were Mayor Lawrence Lai, association chairman Ten Chu Kiong, renowned Chinese calligraphy master Ting Nai Ho and Riam Road Secondary School principal Dr Fong Onn Min.
Lee, in his speech, emphasised the need for unity among the Chinese.
“Respecting each other and uttering well-wishes during each meeting does not necessarily happen during festive seasons. During normal days, these gestures could simply lighten up people’s day.
“Likewise, respecting other Malaysians of different races and religious backgrounds would only make the society more peaceful and harmonious.”
He said the state represented a fine example of the 1Malaysia community, and this ought to be preserved.
On the association, Lee complimented it for allocating funds for bright children of members to enable them to further their studies overseas free of charge.
“Our children is our best asset. Therefore, parents have the responsibility to nurture these young minds and personality to become great leaders of tomorrow.
“Giving incentives is a good form of encouragement to them,” he said, before announcing a grant of RM5,000 to the association to enable it to carry out its activities.