Be the rising tide that lifts all boats, Jamit advises society
KAPIT: The Kapit Foochow Association has been called on to leverage the business talents and resources of its members to improve the economic opportunities for all segments of society.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit said as key members of society, it is his hope that the Foochows here will rise up to shoulder the responsibility as ‘community champions’ and advocates of business, in line with the aphorism ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’.
“The association needs to play a more significant role in the community in a leadership aspect. My feeling is that the association needs to be in the centre sphere of inf luence in communityrelated issues and governance,” he said at the association’s 90th anniversary celebration here over the weekend.
The event, held at Kapit Civic Centre, was attended by 700 guests including about 300 from Sabah, Brunei, Labuan and Peninsular Malaysia.
Jamit said as one of the oldest Chinese associations in the district, Kapit Foochow Association has progressed well under various chairpersons – benefiting not only its members but Kapit folk in general.
He believes that the smooth transition of power in the association’s leadership and close cooperation among members has enabled it to remain relevant since its formation in 1928 by the early pioneering Foochows who settled here from China.
“I hope members of the association will continue to work together with other NGOs (nongovernmental organisations) in town as well as government agencies by providing input, constructive ideas and
The association needs to play a more significant role in the community in a leadership aspect. My feeling is that the association needs to be in the centre sphere of influence in communityrelated issues and governance.
suggestions to bring further development to Kapit,” he said.
Meanwhile, chairman Sii Bang Ee said Kapit Foochow Association will strive to remain relevant with the changing times while maintaining its objectives of taking care of the welfare of its members and also encouraging members’ children to prioritise education by providing annual cash incentives.
According to Sii, the association currently has more than 500 registered members and is the only association in Kapit with its own women and youth wings, as
Jefferson Jamit, Bukit Goram assemblyman
well as a veteran section.
Among those present at the anniversary celebration were Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Federation of Foochow Associations Malaysia president Dato Sri Lau Wei Kiong and vice- president Dato Sri Wong Ing Soon, Sarawak Federated Foochow Association president Dato Ngu Piew Seng, as well as chairmen and representatives of 43 Foochow associations.