KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman has urged the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) to foster closer bilateral ties with China to promote business and economic opportunities in Sabah.
Musa said USCCAKK was an active association that played an important role for the Chinese community in Kota Kinabalu, and like other Chinese associations, USCCAKK served as a bridge between the government and Chinese community.
Musa said this at the USCCAKK’s 20th swearing-in ceremony, Women’s Day and its 40th anniversary celebrations here yesterday. Musa was represented by the Minister of Special Tasks, Datuk Teo Chee Kang, who delivered his speech at the event.
Musa said the Chinese community lived in harmony within the multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural society in Sabah, in line with the 1Malaysia spirit.
“As a responsible and caring government, the State Government under the Barisan Nasional will always strive to meet the needs of the people, including the minority communities.
“I believe USCCAKK will be able to drive the efforts to strengthen unity and tolerance among the people.”
As the Chinese community in Sabah have either familial or business ties with China, Musa said, they play an important and effective role as a link with China.
Musa said, China, the second largest economy in the world, has been the largest trading partner of Malaysia since 2009.
“I believe the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit to China last month not only strengthened the diplomatic relations between both countries, but also opened up more opportunities in cultural, diplomacy and investment.”
Meanwhile, USCCAKK president, John Lim Yu Sin, said the association would cooperate with the government to ensure dissemination of information on government policies that would bring benefits to the people.
Lim said the association would also actively take part in activities organized by the government to boost the relationship between both parties.
On another note, Lim expressed his gratitude towards the advisors and past presidents of USCCAKK for building a strong foundation for the association to move forward
He also thanked Musa and Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir for approving the City Point Complex project, a joint venture development between USCCAKK and Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC). Lim further thanked the developer, Arah Permai Sdn Bhd headed by Francis Goh, for his strong support in the development.
Lim said USCCAKK supported the leadership of Musa who he believed would be able to bring more progress to Sabah.