Teo (seated centre) in a photo call together with ROSE core group members Geoffrey Tang (seated left), Steven Chen (seated right) and other members during a press conference today.
KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang and Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak division secretary Andrew Lo will be the panellists at the first series of ‘Chat with ROSE’ public forum which is scheduled to be held on March 16, at the Concourse Level of Summer Mall in Kota Samarahan, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
Organised by a non-governmental organisation Rise of Sarawak Efforts (ROSE), ROSE chairman Ann Teo said they are targeting about 100 people, particularly students to attend the public forum which will be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
“It is not meant to be a high powered academic intellectual debate but as a platform to allow members of the public and concerned people to ask questions, to hear what both panellists have got to share.
“Basically bringing it out for discussion, not academic style,” said Teo during a press conference here, today.
When asked if the forum was initiated from the recent Cambodian job scam case, Teo said that is the core of the issue.
“You hear members of the public discussing about work opportunities in Sarawak, really that is the core of the issue.
“We want to bring the issues that are on the hearts with every Sarawakian and especially the young people,” she said.
She said the objective of this public forum is to enable a free and open discussion of issues that affect Sarawakians.
“The panellists will share and discuss employment opportunities or the lack of it in Sarawak, the challenges, and issues affecting the youth and job seekers as well as what needs to be done by the respective parties and stakeholders to close the gap,” she added.
Meanwhile Idris and Lo when contacted, said they are looking forward to contribute to the public forum for the benefit of the young people and job seekers.
“Yes, I am looking forward to positively contribute to the forum on my humble views on the topic and matters related thereto to be discussed .
” It will be my first time getting to know Lo and the NGO ROSE which is the organiser. I also look forward to making new friends in our common quest to help overcome all the challenges being faced by Sarawak and also our youth,” said Idris, who is Muara Tuang assemblyman.
As for Lo, he said he is looking forward to a professional, informative and sincere public discourse for the benefit of Sarawakian youth.
“I am invited, I have accepted the invitation and looking forward to any professional discourse with any other professionals that ROSE has invited,” he said.