Chong: Societies can still apply for government grants

KUCHING: Associations and societies are still able to apply for government grants, despite claims from certain Chinese community leaders that they will no longer get them, says the newly elected Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen.

“There are Chinese community leaders who complain that the loss of Datuk Yong Khoon Seng in Stampin means that they will lose out on government grants.

“This is not true. Grants for associations and societies are there for each constituency. Only the channel of distribution is now different.

“They can still apply for government funding through the Resident and District Office.

“Should they require any assistance in their application, they can always approach us,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He, however, said that most associations and societies did not rely on government funding for their existence.

“Most survive on funding from their own members, fund-raising activities and sponsorships from the private sector. Government allocation is usually for specific project or activity.

“To claim that associations and societies will not get funding from the government anymore is ridiculous,” he said.

Chong also condemned statements which claimed that the Chinese had now lost their representation in the government.

“It is foolish to make sweeping statements. Basic rights for the Chinese such as recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), equal allocation to Chinesemedium schools, and equitable economic opportunities have not been accorded even though there were many Chinese ministers before this.

“This is not the last election. The BN government will try hard to win back support in the urban areas.

“This can only be done if they address all the issues faced by the people and come up with better policies.

“It is irresponsible for the BN government to play racial politics. The prime minister has painted it as a racial issue by calling the support for Pakatan Rakyat as a ‘Chinese Tsunami’. The real situation is not about racial divide but urban-rural divide. It is really an ‘Urban Tsunami’,” he said.

On DAP’s immediate future strategies, Chong said there were plans to set up new service centres.

“We will be setting up service centres in Tasik Biru and Matang. We will also make our presence felt in other places like Tarat and Satok,” he said.