Mayor assures City Hall's support for dragon boat race
KOTA KINABALU: Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai has expressed his full support for the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016.
Yeo assured that City Hall would assist and support the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) to ensure the success of the cultural event.
He said this during a courtesy call by a FCAS committee, led by its president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr T.C. Goh, organizing chairperson Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen and others to City Hall.
Goh and Wong briefed Yeo on the progress of the dragon boat race, including the necessary permits and procedures required, and were assured by Yeo that he has directed City Hall to expedite the approval of the permits so that the progress of organizing the race will not be hindered.
Yeo said the event not only enhanced the image of City Hall, but also reflected the spirit of the Chinese community in preserving their culture. Hence, he said City Hall would certainly render its assistance towards the dragon boat race.
Yeo has been invited to the Sunset Beach Party on May 20, as well as the opening ceremony of the dragon boat race which will be officiated by the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin on May 22.
FCAS has also requested Yeo to contribute a message for the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 magazine.
Meanwhile, FCAS life honorary president Datuk Tay Jin Jwo has made a generous contribution to the dragon boat race to show his support for the event. Tay has always been passionate about Chinese community affairs and has contributed immensely towards community associations and charitable activities.
Knowing that the event required a huge budget and manpower, Tay made an announcement to contribute to the race during another courtesy call by the FCAS committee.
Goh and Wong expressed their gratitude to Tay for the contribution and invited him to the Sunset Beach Welcome Party and opening ceremony. Tay was also invited to write a message for the dragon boat race magazine.
The third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 will be held at Likas Bay on May 21 and 22, in conjunction with Harvest Festival celebrations.
The federation calls for support from all quarters as the event will not only showcase Chinese culture, but also enable domestic and foreign tourists to experience the colourful cultures in Sabah.