KUCHING: Kuching Hockien Association urges leaders, ministers and politicians to nip extremism in the bud before it goes out of hand.
President Richard Wee said extremist views and actions should neither be accepted nor tolerated by the people.
“In the history of our nation, we are taught to respect the cultures and traditions of our fellow citizens in this multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation.
“However, in the recent past, race and religion have taken an extreme turn for the worse. A small minority group has tried to test the tolerance of the racial and religious harmony that has been fostered over decades in our nation building through the effort of our past leaders.
“I hope that our leaders, ministers and our politicians will nib this serious threat in the bud and condemn the action and rhetoric of those irresponsible extremists and put a stop to such racism and religious extremism,” he said at the association’s Chinese New Year dinner at the Christian Ecumenical Centre here on Tuesday.
Wee pointed out that extremism is a major threat to the social fabric upon which the nation was built.
Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg was the guest-of-honour at the function. He later announced a government grant of RM10,000 for the association.
Those present included Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Chinese Consul-General in Kuching Liu Chuan, honorary presidents Datuk Seri Tay Thian Siong and Dr Chou Chii Meng, deputy president Michael Teo, youth section chief Ong Gek Seng and women section chief Ho Mui Siok.
Wee later highlighted the Chin San Yan Temple at Muara Tebas, which is under the association.
He said situated within the vicinity of the Muara Tebas village and built more than a hundred years ago, the temple has seen Chinese and Malays living together in harmony and respecting each other.
“This is a clear example of what the spirit of 1Malaysia should be and not just pure rhetoric. We would like to be the showcase of the spirit and we welcome whoever you think is appropriate to visit us there so that they can truly experience the racial unity and religious harmony that is practised in the village.”
Meanwhile, he said with China emerging as one of the world’ economic powerhouses, he hoped the government, leaders and the community will realise the economic reality and appreciate the importance of Mandarin and Chinese education.
He pointed out Malaysia and China recently celebrated the 40th year of diplomatic relations, which also marked the 20th year of the establishment of the Chinese Consulate in Kuching.
According to him, since its establishment, the consulate had provided convenience and assistance in visa applications and enhanced the relationship between the state government and Chinese community in the
state.
Meanwhile, organising chairman Tan Jit Kee expressed his appreciation to sponsors for their monetary donations and ‘angpows’ for the elders.
Two elders, a 90-year-old men and 92-year-old woman, received ‘angpow’ of RM1,000 each, while 75 clansmen aged over 80 and 195 aged over 70 received RM80 and RM60 ‘angpow’ respectively.
“Kuching Hockien Association has been holding Lunar New Year dinner to pay respect to the elders since 2005 and this year marks the 10th anniversary.
“Each year, we allocate certain amount of money to hold this meaningful event to remind the younger generations, regardless of their busy routine, of the importance to show respect to their elders, to pay attention and take care of them,” he said.