Two women Kapitan Cina among appointees
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister cum Api Api assemblywoman Datuk Christina Liew said that focus will be placed on giving the state capital a facelift.
“This year, we are focusing on cleanliness and beautification in the city area. I had a long meeting with the Mayor last week and we have identified the areas where this will be done,” Liew, who is also Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing in of three Kapitan Cina and a Wakil Ketua Anak Negeri for the Api Api constituency here yesterday, Liew said, significant changes will be done in several major areas identified for the facelift.
On the appointment of the four community leaders, Liew said it was a bit late but needed to be done because there is a need for community leaders to look after the areas in Api Api.
“I have appointed an equal number of women and men as Kapitan Cina and hoping to add two more soon as we need to ensure that the community’s needs are looked after,” she said.
Stefly Said was sworn in as Native Chief Representative while Thomas Wong Sing On, Eliza Goh, Li Su Fook and Margaret Chong Moi Hiong were all sworn in as Kapitan Cina.
Of the four Kapitan Cina, Li has served before as the Kapitan Cina for Sunny Garden from 2017 to 2018. For the rest, it is their first time.
“I trust them and know that they will be able to handle the responsibility. The WKAN is very young and can promote his peers to come to the forefront and be groomed into a community leader.
“Those appointed as Kapitan Cina are successful business people so hopefully using their experience and expertise they can understand the economic situation in Kota Kinabalu and come up with ways to resolve it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Eliza, who is continuing the family tradition of being a leader to the Chinese community, said, she is very honoured that there is a leader who recognises contribution of women in society.
“As a Kapitan Cina I have a role to bring the community together. My late grandfather was a Kapitan Cina in Weston and I am happy to continue that tradition,” she said.