KAPIT: Bukit Goram assemblyman, Jefferson Jamit Unyat, last Monday evening lauded the local Chinese for their unity in many things including attending their Chinese New Year’s dinner gathering held by Tai San Ten Association at the town’s civic centre.
He pointed out that the gathering not only provided a venue for the members to celebrate the festival but also to show appreciation for the senior citizens’ contributions to the association over the years.
“The association is one of the oldest Chinese entities here. Over the years, you have always made your presence felt with various activities. I observed that tonight among us are not only your local members but also those from Song and Sibu. Thus this gathering brings the people of Kapit, Song and Sibu together for good will,” said Jamit.
He added that Kapit is special because regardless of race or social backgrounds, its people are able to work together.
“With sound financial management, you are able to organise many activities to benefit your members and the public in general.
“To give ‘angpow’ to the senior members of the association is significant because it is a way of wishing them a happy new year. And it is to show appreciation for their contributions to the association during their younger days. This is a fine practice,” stressed Jamit.
He was hopeful that the success story of the association serves as a motivation for the other associations.
“The sound foundation laid by the past and present leaders allows for financial independence through shop rentals.
“Under Tai San Ten you have the shops, Tai Pek Kong Hock Leong Ten Temple and also the Funeral Parlour House.
“Your sound financial management has generated lucrative revenue to finance your various activities such as the members’ social welfare aid, student incentives, and ‘angpows’ for elder members,” he said.
On politics, Jamit said the state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is the defender of Sarawak rights enshrined in MA63.
To him it is important to support the GPS government which is sincere in developing the state.
He hoped that Kapit would one day be developed like other places in the state.
“As your elected representatives, we have the vision and mission to bring development to Kapit. That is why it is very important to have your support and political unity,” he said.
He then announced a government grant of RM6,000 for the association to run its activities.
After that, he handed over some 146 “angpows” to senior citizens aged 65 and older.
Among those present at the gathering were Pemanca Yong Thu Fook, Penghulu Shia Shui Poh, Penghulu Lim Eng Hock, Penghulu Wong Kie Ing, Kapitan Yiap Yii Hoo, Kapitan Yap Hui Li, chairperson United Chinese Association Sng Geok Yien, President Chinese Chamber of Commerce Ling Hang Pin, chairman Kapit Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners’ Association Ma Tian Ho, chairman of Kwang Tung Association Kong Sien Hua, chairman of Foochow Association Sii Bang Ee and some five hundred guests.
