Yong (centre) takes one for the album with the participants of the Malaysiaku Club ‘Students Aspiration Camp’ at Sumiran Eco Camp.
KUCHING: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has described her ongoing internship with the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as an ‘eye-opener’ which has allowed her to experience the various challenges faced by the ministry.
“Well, the internship programme is still ongoing, but so far so good.
“Through the internship, for me, it’s been an eye-opener because I’ve been able to visit many places I’ve never been to before,” she told reporters after the closing ceremony of the Malaysiaku Club ‘Students Aspiration Camp’ in Sumiran Eco Camp here yesterday.
Yong began her internship on July 26 following a challenge by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the last State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in May.
She also said she had nothing but praise so far for the ministry, but noted that the majority of her views and possible suggestions would be put forward at the end of her stint.
“They are all very nice and friendly and are doing their best to contribute, but sometimes a lot of things are out of their control.
“As for my suggestions, I will only put them forward at the end of my internship because I think that is only fair and not alang-alang (half-hearted) because now I’m only halfway through it (internship),” she said.
Yong added she was excited for the upcoming events in her internship, citing a trip to
Miri, Mulu and Niah alongside Abdul Karim as one of the events.
Earlier in her speech during the closing ceremony, the assemblywoman said the programme was one of the efforts in fostering peace and harmony in the state and nation.
“This programme aims in fostering patriotism, harmony and good values through a quality lifestyle and as the younger generation that will inherit the country’s leadership, it is only appropriate that we maintain the harmony and unity in the state and nation.
“It is our responsibility to keep the harmony and unity, and I believe that this programme, which was organised by the Sarawak Information Department, is a step in the efforts in fostering peace and harmony.”
About 56 participants comprising secondary school students and teachers from SMK Demak Baru, SMK Matang Jaya, SMK Bako, SMK Agama Matang, SMK St Thomas, SMK Sadong Jaya and SMK Muara Tuang took part in the programme.
Activities such as talks, team-building exercises, group discussions and dialogue sessions were organised for the programme.