Henry (left) shakes hands with Awang Tengah after being surprised with a birthday during the Chinese New Year bash.
LAWAS: The availability of Yayasan Sarawak scholarships and the acceptance of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) reflect the state government’s recognition of the contributions of the Chinese community towards the economy and nation-building.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said scholarships for members of the Chinese community for further studies, as well as aid for Chinese schools and guilds are among the broader recognition of the contributions that make Sarawak more progressive and prosperous.
He said this at the Chinese New Year gathering-cum-dinner organised by the Federation of Lawas Chinese Associations at Hotel Seri Malaysia on Sunday night.
“The government will continue to channel assistance such as Yayasan Sarawak scholarships for students wishing to continue their studies and obtain UEC,” he spoke.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, said on his part, he will continue to work towards increasing the inflow of foreign investments into the state to create more employment and economic growth opportunities.
For Lawas, he said efforts have been made to develop the economy in the district through the proposed product collection centre and establishment of the Northern Region Development Agency to support the efforts of the Highland Development Agency (HDA) for Limbang Division.
On the fire which destroyed four shophouse units here on the second day of Chinese New Year, the deputy chief minister assured that the government will assist the victims to help them rebuild their lives.
“We are all saddened by this fire as it involved individuals whom we have known since childhood, like photographer Ah Seng who is not only deft in taking pictures, but can write and read Jawi well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong, who was present at the function, was surprised with a birthday cake at the CNY celebration.
Also present at the function were Awang Tengah’s wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Limbang Resident Ahmad Denny Ahmad Fauzi and his predecessor Datu Maria Hasman, Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim and local community leaders.