Chinese must unite amid shrinking population — Teo

KOTA KINABALU: Chinese associations cannot afford to be disunited in view of the declining Chinese population ratio in Malaysia, said Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang.

He said the Registry of Societies (ROS) had been receiving a growing number of applications for new registration of associations.

While the freedom to establish new associations is provided for under the Constitution and Societies Act 1966, Teo said Chinese associations must unite and cooperate with each other irrespective of clans or places of origin.

“The Chinese population ratio in Malaysia is declining, more so in Sabah.

“We cannot afford to be disunited,” he said during a courtesy call by the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr T.C. Goh and his committee here yesterday.

Teo was invited as the guest of honour for the 43rd anniversary celebration and committee members inauguration ceremony of the federation at Putera Ballroom, 7pm on September 1.

He said Chinese associations must also stay united after their leadership election to serve the interests of members.

On another note, Teo believed that the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations, under Goh’s leadership, would achieve greater heights.

He also hoped that the federation would maintain a harmonious relationship with other Chinese clan associations and the bumiputera community for the well-being of the country.

“Community associations can also serve as a bridge, connecting the government and the people,” he added.

The Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations comprises 22 member associations.