Wee (second right) presents the certificate to permanent honorary president Datuk Wong Hee Toh witnessed by Wong who is standing right behind.
KUCHING: Members of Chiang Hsia Huang Clan Association Sarawak need to come together and work actively to ensure construction of its new building can be completed in the near future.
Association chairman Richard Wee revealed that the blueprint of the new building has been approved and would be constructed on a one-acre land contributed by permanent honorary president Datuk Wong Hee Toh.
“Therefore, we need to work hard, support and contribute in whichever way we can to make sure this project can materialise soon,” he urged its members.
He highlighted this at the association’s Filial Dinner in conjunction with the installation of its new committee members for the 2015-1016 term, held at Chung Hua Middle School No. 3 on Friday night.
Wee continued to remind the Chinese community on the importance of fulfilling filial obligation which was one of the traditional values that must be observed and enforced from one generation to another.
“We must make efforts to spread the message of filial piety among our people in order to strengthen the foundation of our society so to prosper and live in peace and harmony,” he said.
On the development of Chinese education which saw frequent disputes and controversies between two factions in the Chinese Independent Schools (Dong Zong) Board of Directors in Semenanjung Malaysia, Wee stressed that such actions would drag down the progress of Chinese education in Malaysia.
“Dong Zong plays an important role in the development of Chinese independent schools. The unnecessary conflicts have restrained the relationship between various Chinese groups who are distanced from one another,” he said.
“It is probably best dealt in a democratic way by calling for a re-election of the board of directors,” he added.
The most important, Wee emphasised, was to prioritise the development of Chinese education with professionalism.
“We hope with a new leadership, Dong Zong can lead the commitment to fight for government recognition for the United Examination Certificate (UEC),” he said.
Meanwhile, Local Government and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh believed that the new line-up of committee members will definitely bring the association to greater heights.
He reminded the Chinese community of recognising their ancestral roots as it provided important history of the progress of the Chinese people of different clans.
“The tree has roots, the water comes from a source. Understanding and learning our history thus is important for us to analyse and strategise as we move forward,” he said.
“We must focus on preserving our origins or roots as it is unique to the Chinese community,” he added.
However, Wong also pointed out that the Chinese community must continue to strengthen ties and collaborate with people from our diverse community in order to live peacefully and harmonious together.
On the association’s role, he urged members to take on greater responsibility with determination and work towards the betterment of the Chinese community and the society as a whole.
“Don’t be afraid of hard work and we must accept and fulfill the responsibilities and duties placed upon us,” he advised.
“Don’t be afraid of criticisms so long as we do our work appropriately, then we can enjoy the fruits of our labour later,” he added.
Wong also urged associations to be creative and innovative with the changing times to attract more young people and new blood to join.
“Also, the young ones should be encouraged to be more open-minded and be far-sighted, don’t be calculative about the petty things or benefits. Look far and be brave to pursue and achieve great things in life,” he said.
As the global Chinese community celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Wong pointed out that such culturally meaningful festival provided a platform for the Malaysians and the global citizens to unite.
Wong also presented grant of RM20,000 for the association to carry out more activities.
Also present were Temenggong Lu Kim Yong as well as various Chinese community leaders and associations’ representatives.