From fourth left, Jannie, Poon, Liew, Goh, Liang, Tay, Wong, Jimmy and others tossing the “yee sang” at the Pesta Ang Pau hosted by FCAS.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will do its level best to ‘bake a bigger cake’ for Sabahans to ensure shared prosperity among the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal.
Shafie said he agreed with Tan Sri Dr T.C. Goh, who is the president of Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), that the government should focus on building the economy instead of playing political tricks.
“Improving the economy is the only way to create job opportunities for the people.”
At the same time, he said the State Government would systemically provide sponsorship and contributions to temples, Chinese independent schools and non-Islamic events every year.
Shafie stated this in his speech, which was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew, at the Pesta Ang Pau dinner hosted by FCAS here on Wednesday.
He also recognized FCAS’ role in fostering closer ties between the State Government and Chinese community.
He said the federation has been organizing dragon boat competitions and Chinese New Year festivals for many years, which contributed to the tourism industry.
“The Sabah government will continue to sponsor these activities,” he said.
Also present were Minister of Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Frankie Poon, Minister of Youth and Sports Phoong Jin Zhe, Assistant Ministers of Trade and Industries Ben Chong and Azhar bin Datuk Matussin, Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman, Assistant Minister of Law and Native Affairs Jannie Lasimbang, Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Chan Foong Hin, Senator Datuk Yong Wui Chung, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide, FCAS life honorary president Datuk Tay Jin Jwo, deputy president Datuk Jimmy Yong and vice president Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.