Ewon and Akian (both standing middle) at the Tombonuo Association of Entrepreneurs and Contractors Chinese New Year dinner.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is open to ideas from any of the ethnic associations in the state, said Rural Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon said that such openness is vital to help the various ethnic communities in Sabah develop their respective areas.
“These ethnic associations would understand the needs of their villages and its people better,” Ewon said when met at the Tombonuo Association of Entrepreneurs and Contractors Chinese New Year dinner on Friday night.
He said that each of these ethnic associations might be looking for basic infrastructure developments such as roads, water and power supply.
“The State Government will always lend its support by providing infrastructure facilities, however, each community would have their own role to play,” he added.
Ewon also advised the entrepreneurs in the state to refrain from solely relying on the State Government’s assistance.
Also present in the event was Tombonuo Race Association president Dr Akian Ah Kiew who said the association which has existed for the last 20 years was determined to boost the economy of its people.
According to him, the association has almost 90,000 members in 13 districts in the state including in Pitas.
“In an effort to boost the economy of the Tombonuo community, the association is involved in several business activities including construction and tourism,” he said.