WELL DONE: Wong presents a trophy to a winner. Chan is at right. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Youths should regard politics as a platform to right the wrong, and not as something to hold grudges against the government.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who gave this suggestion on Thursday, said young people nowadays seemed critical of many things, and this caused them to become rebellious and aggressive against the government.
There is a better way to deal with the situation, he said.
“If you are not happy with things around you, participate (in politics) to change from within, and show to others what you can contribute to make things better.
“Do not withdraw yourself to a smaller world and keep to yourself something you do not like and in the end you feel unhappy. Come forward to participate, and as you do this, you are contributing to a cause [sic],” Wong said at the prize presentation ceremony of Kuching Got Talent.
The talent quest was organised in conjunction with this year’s Kuching Festival and was sponsored by Astro.
Wong said he believed activities such as Kuching Got Talent could help young people see things in the correct perspective.
He said it was also in line with Kuching South City Council (MBKS)’s ABC principle, an acronym which stands for assisting the needy, bonding the people, and connecting the community.
“A lot of activities organised by MBKS are meant to bring people closer for greater solidarity. Given our multi-racial background, it is important for us to do what we can to engage the people so that all races can come together and live in harmony.”
He said he was glad this year’s Kuching Festival drew a bigger crowd compared to previous ones. It is estimated that half a million people frequented the fair.
“Imagine the number of people mingling with one another and fostering closeness among them. All these are the added duties and responsibilities of the council, apart from its traditional roles.”
Mayor Datuk James Chan said MBKS would continue to offer avenues, such as food fairs, for young people to earn additional income.
“This year, more than 100 food stalls were set up for more people to play a part in the Kuching Festival.
“I was told business at the food fair was so good that food businesses outside the fair were slightly affected.”
Chan said the first Saturday following the kick-off of the festival received over 50,000 visitors.