SIBU: The Junior Chamber International (JCI) chapters have been urged to organise events that advocates and promotes racial harmony and religious understanding in the state.
In making the call, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek pointed out that such events should not stop abruptly because “We love Sarawak”.
“The recent negative racial and religious issues happened in Malaysia especially on the boycott cases of Starbucks and McDonalds are very unfortunate.
“These boycotts shouldn’t have happened in Malaysia because our country is a multi-racial and multi-religion nation and we should live harmoniously and peacefully together,” he said at the JCI Mandarin Sibu’s 28th Installation & Awards ceremony held at Golden Happiness Restaurant on Saturday.
Chieng who is also a former JCI national president commented what happened at Satok KK mart was totally unacceptable especially in Sarawak, which is widely known for its multi-racial unity and harmony.
Citing an example whereby there is a church in Miri located beside a mosque, he said whenever there is Friday prayer, the church will open its gate for the Muslim congregation to park their cars inside the church’s compound, likewise on Sunday church worship, the mosque will also open its gate for Christians to park in its compound.
“This symbolises how beautiful Sarawak is. Very unfortunately the incident happened at Satok KK mart, thus alerted all of us and this matters should not be taken for granted.
“That’s why I urge all the youths from all the JCI chapters to do some events that continue to promote racial harmony and religious understanding in Sarawak,” Chieng stated.
Touching on JCI, he said that its mission is to provide leadership development opportunity for the young people to make positive changes.
Meanwhile at the event, Lucas Kong was officially installed as the new president for the JCI Mandarin Sibu by the out-going president, Boston Ho Teck Howe, witnessed by Chieng and other members.
A total of 16 new members were also inducted to join the fold of JCI Mandarin Sibu.
JCI National executive vice president cum Area Sarawak Chair, Mike Yong and organising chairman Desmond Ting were among those present.
