SIBU: More than 2,000 members attended the installation ceremony of new office-bearers of Sarawak Vui Neng Association at Kingwood Hotel here, yesterday.
The guest-of-honor, Minister of Local Government, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the event.
Speaking at the installation of the new office bearers of Sarawak Vui Neng Association, its Youth and Women sections, and Senior Citizen Section, Miri Vui Neng Clan president, Kevin Kong reminded members of the Vui Neng Clan in the state to set aside their differences and move forward as one force to achieve greater heights.
“Understandably, there are differences among members of the five Vui Neng clan associations in Sarawak. It is important we treat ourselves as one big family and we must be mature enough not to let these differences ruin our noble intentions of setting up our associations,” Kong pointed out.
He also stressed that the members must learn from history and not to repeat past mistakes.
“It is the responsibility of the present generation to safeguard solidarity, friendship and goodwill established among members of the Vui Neng Clan by their forefathers 115 years ago.
“I hope that the presence of so many of us here today to participate and witness this installation ceremony is a sign of true unity among us,” Kong said, adding that unity was the only way for the community to forge forward for greater success.
He also suggested the need to form a federation of Vui Neng Clan associations at the state level to unite and lead the existing five associations.
Kong praised pioneers of the Vui Neng Clan for their fighting spirit and commitment in helping their community and the country to prosper, particularly in the fields of education and agriculture.
“I am indebted to our forefathers who established many Chinese primary schools and independent Chinese secondary schools despite limited resources. We all should emulate our forefathers’ great emphasis on providing education to our children,” Kong said.
He went on to say that he himself received his early education in one of those primary schools in Durin.
On agriculture, Kong urged members of the Vui Neng Clan to fully utilise land they inherited from their forefathers.
“I realise that a lot of land among our community are still left vacant. I hope our associations will lead the people in spearheading the development of these land to make them productive. We must work closely together with the government and the relevant agencies in the transformation of our rural economy,” Kong said.
He also stressed that it was time for the members to be more proactive and play a more active role in the various aspects of nation-building, especially in politics, economy and education, through cooperation and support of the government, other dialect groups and races.
