THE State Government appreciates the contribution of the Chinese community through the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) in helping the State’s economic growth, which is also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
As Chief Minister, he said his dream is to continue taking Sabah forward, bringing in more development to the State and the people as a whole and fully making the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan a success.
“KKCCCI indeed plays a very important role in the business sector in the State. Not only in business, but KKCCCI also plays an important role in promoting Chinese education and culture.
“I hope this chamber will continue to use all the opportunities available to be together in development mainstream so that Sabah will also benefit.
“This is apart from helping the Government to bring more development to the State, as well as promoting unity, goodwill and harmony among the people of various races in Sabah,” he said at the KKCCCI’s 111th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu on Nov 11. His speech was read by State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.
Hajiji also urged KKCCCI and other chambers of commerce in the state to take advantage of all the opportunities provided by the Government.
“The Hala Tuju SMJ is the Government’s effort to bring comprehensive and rapid development to Sabah. I want KKCCCI and other chambers of commerce to take the opportunity in this Hala Tuju to develop the State’s economy.
“Through the Hala Tuju SMJ, the State Government is ready to act as a catalyst to create many important trade and investment opportunities that will help establish economic relations between Sabah and foreign countries.
“Sabah has many resources, therefore we will continue to open up more investment and cooperation in the fields of oil and gas, agriculture and livestock, infrastructure and trade,” he said.
He said KKCCCI, established 111 years ago, also plays an important role as a communication bridge between the Government and the business sector, disseminating policies and information related to trading and industry as well as conveying the voice of the people to the Government.
Meanwhile, KKCCCI urged the people to cooperate with the Government led by Hajiji for the good of Sabah, development and business stability. KKCCCI President Datuk Michael Lui said it fully supports the assurance made by Hajiji in his pledge to continue to be a people-oriented Chief Minister to serve all Sabahans regardless of their race, religion or political inclination.
He said the Chief Minister also fostered the spirit of unity and patriotism among the people. “We have full faith in the Chief Minister who is always trying to restore the State’s economy from the Covid-19 pandemic in order to achieve the goal of the Sabah Maju Jaya.
“KKCCCI welcomes and supports his vision regarding the implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan from 2021 to 2025, which is the framework for the State’s direction and strategy to drive Sabah’s economy.
“We believe this plan will help boost Sabah’s development. This is, indeed, a positive effort made by the Sabah Government to formulate various strategies and approaches in driving the state’s economic recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to focusing on efforts to deal with public health issues.
“KKCCCI is confident that the SMJ development plan will build a more united, peaceful and prosperous society.
“Indeed, this long-term plan will increase the economic needs of our State by utilising the natural resources in Sabah, developing human resources and improving the socio-economic status of the people,” he said.
Lui also expressed his high appreciation to Hajiji for the annual allocation to the Chinese schools, saying it really helps ease the financial pressure of the schools involved in these very difficult times so that they can continue the operation of schools under the care of KKCCCI.
“We would express our deepest appreciation for the recent State allocation of RM300,000 to renovate and repair Wisma KKCCCI, which cost RM600,000,” he said.
Lui said the last few years had witnessed the great challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic which has had an economic impact not only on businesses but the entire community in Sabah.
He said KKCCCI had served as a communication bridge to convey the views of its members and the business sector, along with requests for appropriate support, to the Federal and State Governments.
“At the same time, KKCCCI remains committed to exploring new opportunities in the business sector,” he added.
According to Lui, although KKCCCI itself is, as its name suggests, an organisation that belongs to the local business sector, it plays an important role in promoting Chinese education and culture.
“Presently there are seven schools under the management of KKCCCI, namely SRJK Chung Hwa Kota Kinabalu, SJK© Chung Hwa Likas, SJK© Hwa Shiong Putatan, SJK© Che Hwa Kolombong, Kindergarten Task Chung Hwa Likas, Kindergarten Hwa Siong Putatan, Chung Hwa Kindergarten Penampang.
“In addition, KKCCCI also jointly manages Kota Kinabalu High School. We also manage three Chinese cemeteries located at Batu 2.5 Jalan Tuaran, Batu 5.5 Jalan Tuaran and Manggatal, in order to take care of the welfare of the Chinese community in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
In conjunction with KKCCCI’s 111th anniversary, Lui said the chamber fully intends to make strategic plans to facilitate the diversification of Sabah’s economy and industries as well as the integration of the Kota Kinabalu City into the national development.
“We will continue to fight for our vision, which is New Era, New Approach, New Journey, in order to establish KKCCCI as one of the chambers of commerce that defends the interests of the community, society and the state of Sabah,” he said.
