KOTA KINABALU: Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles C. Jose urged Filipinos in the country to stay away from Malaysian politics.
“I am reminding my fellow countrymen who are temporarily residing and working in Malaysia to strictly refrain themselves from getting involved directly or indirectly in the political arena of the host country now and in the future,” Jose said after witnessing the simple yet unique opening ceremony of Stairway To Hope (STH) Skills Guidance Centre at Foh Sang, Luyang Saturday.
The ambassador said he saw no reason for Filipinos to get involved in the local affairs of Malaysia, particularly in politics.
“What we (Filipinos) should do to show appreciation to our host country is to always respect Malaysian laws and religiously comply with the terms and conditions stated in our respective employment contracts and other documentations,” he stressed.
“Being loyal to our employers and delivering satisfactory work performance in our respective fields will surely keep Filipinos away from unnecessary dangers and problems while in the country.
“As a responsible Ambassador, I am encouraging my fellow countrymen here to continue to display the finest qualities of the Filipinos – that of excellence, integrity and hard work, in order to leave a positive impression in the places of work and residence,” Jose stressed.
Commenting on the opening of STH Skills Guidance Centre, the Ambassador applauded the initiative taken by the management of the centre headed by Marilou Chin.
He said the establishment of the centre offering vocational courses would in many ways help Filipinos in Kota Kinabalu City if not the entire state of Sabah level-up their daily income apart from designing a better future.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur will give its fullest support to ensure success of the centre, he assured.
Meanwhile, Chin said the creation of the centre was in response to the continuing education and technical skills training needs of Filipino youth in the city.
She said it was also designed to create an avenue for Stairway To Hope students to further develop vocational skills upon completing their secondary education in the alternative learning school.
“The STH Skills Guidance Centre will also provide students and other interested Filipinos a chance to earn income or even start a small business after they complete the training,” she said, adding that Overseas Filipino Workers were also welcome to enrol.
Among the courses made available in the centre include computer, basic bookkeeping/accounting,dress making, health and beauty lessons, handicraft, fashion jewellery lessons, carpentry, and electrical/welding/ plumbing courses amongst others.
The unique ceremony also saw the attendance of special invited guests, faculty members of Stairway To Hope Filipino Alternative Centre, friends and supporters as well as Malaysian Consumer Association Sabah Chapter deputy chairman Nikko Fabian.