Join hands to ensure success of VSY — Wong

SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh calls on Sibu folk to come together and work towards making Visit Sibu Year ( VSY) 2017 a success.

He pointed out that while the event was organised by Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC), concerted efforts were required to make it successful.

“Yes, they ( SMC) are the organiser, but we cannot leave it to SMC alone to shoulder all the responsibilities.

“It takes all of us working together to make things happen and after all, VSY will put Sibu on the map of tourism for the benefit of all.

“The economic spin- off will exert multiplier effects on a number of economic activities, which will bring benefits to the people; to business people; to the people at large. The benefit will not go to SMC.

“Therefore, I hope all of us should make an effort to really come together to work together to make VSY a success,” Wong said during the Countdown 2017 cum opening ceremony of VSY 2017 at Sibu Town Square Phase I on Saturday night.

Among those present were Wong’s wife Datin Sri Pauline Leong, SMC deputy chairperson Rogayah Jamain, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee and Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.

Wong, who is Bawang Assan assemblyman, added that according to a survey, tourism

Yes, they (SMC) are the organiser, but we cannot leave it to SMC alone to shoulder all the responsibilities. It takes all of us working together to make things happen and after all, VSY will put Sibu on the map of tourism for the benefit of all. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Second Finance Minister

industry would affect 14 different categories of economic activities.

“Of course, during this time, which is forged with economic uncertainties...money is so much devalued, but in fact, some way it is to our benefit because people from a country with a strong currency will take advantage of visiting the countries with weak currencies.

“Therefore, we have to seize the opportunity so that VSY 2017 will attract more tourists to our shores; to our country; to Sibu and so on.”

Touching on the countdown organised by the council, he said it was an occasion for people of all races irrespective of religious and cultural backgrounds to come together to forge friendship and have a linkage with one another to become one community in solidarity and togetherness.

He further mentioned that while ushering in the new year, it was equally important for people to take stock of what they had done and review their strengths and weaknesses.

“Then, we work for the present time and plan for the future,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said in a multi-racial country, it was important for people to be united irrespective of ethnic origin, religious background and even political differences.

He thus called on the people to be wary of those opportunists who tried all ways and means to undermine solidarity for their own political mileage.

“We do not take credit for the achievements. All this should be attributed to the smart partnership and synergy among the authorities, non-governmental organisations ( NGOs) and the community at large all these years.

“We should also thank BN government for facilitating a vibrant economy and harmonious racial relations in Malaysia, which every one of us is proud of,” Tiong said.

At the function, the results of the ‘Christmas Tree Decoration Contest 2016’ were also announced.

There was also a presentation of Community Development Award. The event culminated with a colourful display of fireworks.