Chamber proposes Dr Yee as Chinese rep in state govt
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch president, Michael Chin, hoped that the new State Government would appoint Chinese representatives in recognition of the Chinese community's contribution towards Sabah's education and economy.
He proposed appointing Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai as a Chinese representative in the State Government.
In a statement yesterday, Chin congratulated the formation of the new government and hoped that all elected representatives would honour their pledge to serve the people and not let them down.
He said the conclusion of Sabah's snap election had shown a deep polarized outcome and people were irked by the extremist political views that surfaced throughout the campaign period.
"The people therefore, spoke through their votes, by casting out the extremism, and elected a government that is free from extremism," he said.
Now that the election was over, he said it was the time for all Sabahans to set aside our indifferences and focus on the development of Sabah's economy.
Chin, who is also the vice president of Malaysia Stationery Association cum president of Sabah Stationery Association, reiterated the importance for the Sabah State Government to work in tandem with the Federal Government in order to effectively develop Sabah, by attracting foreign investments and enhancing the local economy.
He hoped that the new State Government would implement more policies that will create greater opportunities for the business sector, and ultimately, elevate Sabah from being the poorest state in Malaysia.
Chin explained that MCCC Sabah was a non-partisan organisation, whose main purpose was to strengthen the bilateral economic and investments relations between Malaysia and China, particularly by serving as the bridge between both countries in Sabah.
Therefore, he said the chamber looked forward to witnessing the new government's development on various basic infrastructures, including internet facilities as well as industries such as tourism, fishery, farming, education and more.
On the outcome of the state election, Chin expressed regret at the line-up that did not consist of any Chinese representation.
He said the Chinese, being the second largest ethnicity in Sabah, strongly hoped for the appointment of several Chinese representatives by the new government.
"This would acknowledge the Chinese community's contribution towards education and economy in Sabah."
He hoped that the State Government would execute these appointments within its constitutional rights.
"Having a Chinese representation is of upmost importance."
Chin emphasized that Dr Yee would be the best candidate for a Chinese representative appointment.
"Dr Yee commands the highest respect within the community, based on his solid past track record, experience and credibility," he said.
He said Dr Yee's appointment would be a delight for the entire community.
Chin said the appointment of Chinese representatives within the new State Government would ensure full representation of Sabah's diversity and demographic.
On another note, he expressed worry at the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Sabah.
Apart from developing Sabah, Chin said the State Government ought to pay attention to the healthcare and welfare of all Sabahans.
He hoped that the new government would be well equipped to fight Covid-19 and safeguard all Sabahans.
He also looked forward to equal treatment among all races and ethnicities to ensure harmony among Sabahans.