KUCHING: The Federation of Kuching-Samarahan Chinese Associations should expand its scope by attracting more Chinese to participate in politics.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who made the call yesterday, said he believe the federation could handle this task well as it had been acting as a bridge between the government and the people.
“I am aware the federation is an NGO (non-governmental organisation), but it should not be uneasy about making political stance that actually benefits the Chinese.
“You should work closely with the government instead of worrying about being aligned with a political alliance,” he said when witnessing the sales and purchase agreement signing ceremony between the federation and Timberland Group at Thian Court here.
The deal, which was inked by the federation’s president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong and Timberland Group chairman Jeffrey Choo, was for the purchase of a three-storey commercial shophouse at a new commercial centre in Pending for RM4.6 million.
This building would serve as the federation’s secretariat. For the past 35 years, the federation has been renting a shoplot as its secretariat.
Wong told those present that the Chinese must be represented in the government.
“Towards this end, the federation must look beyond politics and even public opinions.”
Wong said the Chinese had always been concerned about four main things, namely education, economy, community and politics.
He added they had been doing well in all the four areas even though a part of the community had chosen to stray from solidarity and mainstream politics.
“Over the decades, they have built up solid foundations for education and economy. In terms of politics, Chinese outside Malaysia admire what we enjoy in the country as we are represented in the government.
“Economy wise, the Chinese are making progress too. Therefore, none of us should take all these for granted by not working with the government of the day.”
He said they had to stay united for the betterment of Chinese education and other economic advancement.
Meanwhile, Wong said he was pleased the federation had purchased a new premises as its home, which could serve as a platform for more Chinese to come together to enhance solidarity.
Prior to this signing, he had pledged a RM50,000 government grant in aid of the new building fund.