Tribute to a nation-building hero
MCA launches website dedicated to Tan Cheng Lock
PETALING JAYA: A memorial website for MCA founder Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock has been launched by the party.
The Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock Memorial Website is aimed at paying tribute to his struggles and sacrifices.
Describing Tan as one of the nation-building heroes of Malaya, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said: “We are fortunate to be born in this era of peace. However, we should keep in mind the struggles and dedication of Tan and always remember and respect his contributions.”
“We can use the insights and sentiments from his era to draw lessons from history, learn from the past, create new political thoughts and discourses, rejuvenate our party and fight for the interest of the rakyat,” he said at MCA’s 72nd party anniversary celebration which featured a flag-raising ceremony and the launch of the website.
His speech was streamed on Facebook yesterday.
MCA vice-president Datuk Lim Ban Hong said that there was an initial plan to hold a photo exhibition of Tan but it was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lim said they then decided to upload photos of Tan on to the website, which also features the biography and life stories of the MCA founder.
Tan’s writings, among others, are also available on the website for public viewing.
Lim said that anyone who wanted to learn and examine Tan’s views and thoughts could refer to the site.
“We hope it becomes an academic platform that the public and scholars can freely browse.”
On another note, Dr Wee said that MCA is the only political party in Malaysia to have its party flag design based on the Jalur Gemilang.
“If you look back at our history, the MCA flag is indeed closely related to the national flag.”
He said MCA was founded in 1949 but the party flag, which was designed by party veterans Mok Yuen and Kean Chai Seng, only came into existence in 1958.
“Both veterans were inspired by our Jalur Gemilang and used the blue background and yellow star from the upper left portion of our national flag to be the party flag.
“That’s how part of the national flag became the MCA party flag.”
According to Dr Wee, the message that was intended to be conveyed through the party flag design was that the Chinese community had contributed to nation-building.
“It was MCA, which represented the Chinese community, that worked hand in hand with friends from other ethnic groups to fight for the nation’s independence and build the country together.”
Dr Wee also said the meaning behind the party’s flag design was consistent with the spirit passed down by Tan, that MCA is a party committed towards nation-building.
“Hence, we must always be a patriotic party, and patriotism is one of the core values of MCA,” he added.
Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, said party members must remind themselves that the country was established after a difficult time toiling for independence.
“Therefore, caring for this nation and protecting our country remain MCA’s unshakeable mission since the day the party was founded.
“Every MCA member shoulders a heavy responsibility; we must ensure that our party flag, together with the national flag that is Jalur Gemilang, will keep flying high,” he added.
Dr Wee paid tribute to MCA members and its Crisis Relief Squad for assisting the country in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods that were caused by the monsoon season early this year.
“In addition to distributing supplies, food and essential items, they continue to share accurate information on the pandemic and preventive measures to reduce people’s anxieties and to work with the government in fighting the pandemic.”
“The selfless dedication and contribution of MCA party members and volunteers during this period, the spirit of defying hardships with hard work, is a manifestation of patriotism.”