The chief minister points out that RM30 million had been spent to provide aid to Chinese schools and for the construction of temples over the past few years.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has never marginalised the Chinese community in the state and will continue to ensure their interests and welfare are well taken care of, said Chief Minister Musa Aman.
He said the government had spent about RM30 million to provide financial aid to Chinese schools and for the construction of temples over the past few years.
“As most of you know, previously the state government was only able to allocate RM1 million to RM2 million, but I’m happy to note that in the last couple of years, we are able to give out some RM30 million for such a purpose.
“The government also supports the activities of Chinese associations and chambers and will channel assistance to the best of its ability.
“The state is doing well so much so that we are able to come up with a budget of over RM4 billion this year, money that will be used to bring more socio-economic development,” he said when launching the Chinese New Year Carnival held here last night in conjunction with the city’s 12th anniversary celebration.
Musa lauded the efforts made in organising the festival which he regarded as an approach to enhance the caring spirit among city folk, besides the “open house” held during the Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Christmas, Kaamatan and Deepavali festivals.
The festival also serves as a platform to convey an important message to the public on the solid and strong unity among the people in Sabah, he said.
Various programmes will be held during the four-day carnival, including the cutting of the biggest cake in Sabah, lantern lighting, drum beating, Chinese cultural performance and a fireworks display.
About 8,000 people attended the launch of the carnival last night at Lintasan Deasoka and Jalan Gaya. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Dr Yee Moh Chai and Kota Kinabalu Mayor Abidin Madingkir.
In TAWAU, Sabah Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming launched the Chinese New Year Carnival there last night, and said the festival is the best platform for the Malaysian multiracial society to get to know Chinese culture better.
He said the celebration would boost cultural understanding and strengthen inter-community ties under the 1Malaysia slogan.
Pang said the people who loved unity must defend the status quo from being tarnished by irresponsible elements unhappy with the harmony enjoyed by Malaysians.
“We must not be easily influenced to do something untoward that can affect the peace and harmony we have built thus far,” he said.
- Bernama
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