KKJA backs dinner to raise funds to fight coronavirus
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) has donated RM2,750 to the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) to support the upcoming ‘We Care’ charity dinner to raise funds in aid of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China.
The sum includes RM2,000 donated by KKJA and RM750 from several members of the association.
KKJA chairman Yong Ted Phen handed over the donation to FCAS president Tan Sri Dr T.C. Goh, JP, who is also the president of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), here yesterday.
Also present were KKJA deputy president Tang Pok Ngai, treasurer David Shia, welfare officer James Tseu, committee member Chok Sim Yee and member Leag Koon Lan, FCAS vice president Fung Chun Fatt and treasurer general David Chan.
Yong said the media practitioners have been reporting and following the latest developments of the COVID-19 since the outbreak.
“Our hearts go out to the journalists who are risking their health in covering the epidemic, as well as the people who are affected by the virus.
“Hence, we have decided to support the charity dinner initiated by the State Government and jointly organized by the FCAS.”
Although the donation was a small sum, Yong said it was a gesture of goodwill and moral support to China in its ongoing effort in battling the coronavirus.
Furthermore, he said the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu has continuously sponsored various activities organized by KKJA for years, including the study awards to members’ children, press night and Chinese New Year luncheon.
He said KKJA was also appointed by the consulate as the co-organizer of the China-Sabah Short Film Competition, adding that the consulate also organized media trips to China for the past few years.
“We are truly grateful for the support offered by the Chinese consulate towards KKJA.
“We hope to show our concern and care towards China during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Goh, who is also an honorary advisor of KKJA, said the charity dinner has received overwhelming response from corporates, individuals and community associations, including KKJA.
He said the fundraiser has hit its RM1 million target within a few days.
He also commended KKJA and the media practitioners for participating in the fundraiser, which aimed to demonstrate Sabah’s concern and care for China.
Goh said certain quarters have politicized the charity dinner because they did not understand the intention behind the fundraiser.
“The funds we raised is not to ‘save’ China, but to show that we are standing by China during this challenging period.”
He hoped that the people would understand the State Government’s goodwill gesture and not politicize the charity dinner.
Goh went on to say that it was most unfortunate that Sabah was the first to suspend direct flights from China.
“The State Government has made the decision not because it was ungrateful or did not value its relationship with China, but because the medical infrastructure and facilities in Sabah were insufficient to cope in the event of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I hope the people will understand the reason the State Government made this tough decision.”