SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said perseverance and resilience through thin and thick since setting foot in the state enabled Hakka clansmen in Sibu to reap their rewards today.
“Since settling here, their forefathers made great sacrifices to eke out a living and their children continue to surge towards greater heights of success,” he said at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sibu Hakka Association in a hotel here on Friday night.
Wong’s text of speech in Mandarin was read by the chairman of Sibu Municipal Council, Datuk Tiong Thai King.
During the celebration, a number of senior citizens were given gifts as tokens of appreciation for their contribution.
Wong who is also Minister of Local Government and Community Development said their sacrifices in the earliest days after setting foot in the state had paid off and led the Hakka people to where they are today.
The first echelon leaders of the Hakka association had contributed much through their capable leadership, and their resilience and fighting spirit had contributed to their success in life.
“We should not feel complacent over our achievements but review the past and look forward to the future,” he said.
He hoped youths would emulate the fine example set by their elderly folks.
Wong said veneration of the elderly was an important part of Chinese culture.
“For what our elderly or parents have done or sacrificed for us to have a better life, we in turn should appreciate their invaluable contribution by honouring them,” he said, urging the Hakka people to stay united.
Among those present were Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Liu Quan, Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming, president of Federation of Hakka Associations of Malaysia; Datuk Yong Ah Pwi, Sibu Hakka Association chairman Chung Bui Kuek; main sponsor Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua and organising chairperson Lam Lee Hong.