SIBU: Clan associations have been told not to forget their Chinese roots and at the same recruit more youths and women into their organisations.
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China, said youth and women groups could continue to play the role of teaching others the origins of their cultures.
“No matter how the times change, we mustn’t let go of our traditional cultural values. While this shared clan identity amongst our people can foster unity among our Chinese people, it is also important to promote a spirit of non-discrimination, tolerance, and mutual collaboration among various races,” he said.
He said this at the Tai Poo Rejang (Sibu) Association’ s 48th anniversary celebration cum installation ceremony of the new committee of the Federation of Malaysia Tai Poo Association.
Tiong was represented by Teo Boon Siew who read out his text of speech in Mandarin.
Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, said the association comprised Hakka clan members, adding that the Hakka accounted for one-third of the Chinese ethnic population in Sarawak.
Buoyed by their society’s tenets of diligence, thriftiness, and hard work, the Hakka community has thrived in the surrounding areas of the Rejang River.
Through activities such as mining and farming, they have contributed to Sarawak’s early economic growth.
“A society succeeds when their ancestors plant trees to shade their future generations. Today’s Malaysia was built brick by brick by our past generations, and their work must be continued and improved by the present generation.
“Any past shortcomings must be identified and corrected through the right channels, rather than destroying the foundations put in by our ancestors. We must ensure that our goals remain on the right track, and not deviate for the wrong reasons,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said every association, clan, or non-governmental organisation, should not abandon their principles merely for the sake of temporary benefits.
“The responsibility of clans and associations is to serve the people, not to establish their personal agenda to benefit a few.”
He said this form of short-sightedness would not build lasting legacies but rather will saddle their people with heavy burdens, especially in a weak economic climate.
“We need the clans and associations to stand up and act as a bridge between the people and the government, to alleviate the people’s difficulties and advise the authorities on the right assistance programmes.
“The policy must be to serve the people, and make sure the people and government can work together to come through the COVID-19 pandemic unscathed,” Tiong added.
At the function, Teo on behalf of Tiong, announced an allocation of RM10,000 for the Tai Poo Rejang (Sibu) Association for its activities.
Among those present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, Federation of Malaysia Tai Poo Association president Yong Pock Yau, Tai Poo Rejang (Sibu) Association chairman Wong Chee Kuang and organising chairperson Lam Lee Hong.
