KUCHING: After having served as an assistant minister in various ministries over the past decade and a half, Datuk Lee Kim Shin’s appointment as Minister of Transport is indeed well-deserved, said Tourism, Arts and Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“He has so much experience manning several ministries. The State Cabinet is very fortunate to have made him a full minister,” lauded Abdul Karim during his speech at a Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Youth and Sports Ministry appreciation dinner at Grand Margherita Hotel here on Thursday.
The celebration was to honour Lee and welcome new appointments in these ministries, namely Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, and Youth and Sports Ministry acting
permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi.
“I do hope that he (Lee) will go much further in his political career and in anything he does,” Abdul Karim said, while also expressing his happiness in welcoming Ting whom he said was very passionate about tourism.
He also commented on the separation of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry, which previously was a combined unit.
“Now that they have been separated, we can be more focused in our roles. But of course, many activities will still be done together between these two ministries as they are all interrelated. For example, sport is a big part of tourism,” Abdul Karim remarked.
Ting during his speech shared that he was delighted to be able to work closely with Abdul Karim, whom he described as having much experience, energy and foresight. At the same time, he was certain he would still be able to learn a lot from his predecessor Lee.
“Together, we can make the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry even better and greater for Sarawak,” he said.
Although Lee is leaving the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Senadin assemblyman pointed out that a close relationship would still be maintained as transport and tourism are interrelated.
He reflected fondly on his time serving the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
“Our officers in this ministry with whom I have worked with, including Datuk Abdul Karim, are all very receptive. We always exchange views and ideas – and I believe this is how we should be in the government so that we can come up with the best idea which can benefit the people,” Lee remarked.
“Although I am in a different ministry now, rest assured we are still on the same GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) team,” he said.
His passion for tourism development still shone through during his speech as he expressed his hope for a direct flight route from Kuching to Shenzhen in China soon, believing that inroads into the China market had been made and would continue to be developed.
Lee also highlighted efforts to increase tourist influx from Brunei into Miri as well as Visa on Arrival facilities for tourists at Miri Airport and Sungai Tujoh Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex.
Looking ahead with regard to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, he remarked, “There is a good future and great potential with this dynamic team here.”
Meanwhile, he commented on his new ministry: “Now I have to start building an entirely new team.”
He felt it would take at least another one or two months for his new ministry to be up and running, what with inward transfers of officers and requirements for technical specialists such as urban transport planners and those with knowledge in aviation and maritime.
Also in attendance at the celebration were Abdul Karim’s wife Datin Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and wife Loh Ai Ling, and Nancy.
