Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Foochow Association of Sabah and Labuan, which now comprises 11 affiliated members, are urged to work together to help the Government’s efforts to develop the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Foochow community has contributed a lot to the economic development of the State through trade and business.
Accordingly, he hoped that the Foochow community would continue to strive to achieve excellence in various fields, especially in assisting with post Covid-19 pandemic economic recovery.
“I would like to see the Foochow Association of Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan do more and continue to support the State Government’s efforts to restore the State’s economy, including the success of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan,”
He said this at the 2024 Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner and the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Federation of Foochow Association of Sabah and Labuan Leadership Committee (2023-2025) at Hakka Hall, here, Friday.
Hajiji said Sabah and Labuan Foochow are one of the largest Chinese community organisations that combine various strengths to foster unity and catalyse development and change not only to the Chinese community but Sabahans as a whole.
He said the State Government always supports all associations regardless of race and religion so that everyone can cooperate with the Government to develop the people and the State.
He added that the State Government also emphasises the principles of justice and equality in all aspects.
“This is evident because in the 2024 Sabah Budget, the State Government has allocated RM56.75 million for the development of non-Muslim religious bodies, missionary schools, national and private schools,” he stressed.
Hajiji said the spirit of unity is the backbone of the Foochow community’s success in various fields.
In fact, he said Foochow is also known as a resilient and smart community in business, within various sectors including construction, property development, infrastructure, plantation, forestry, pharmacy and professional services.
He said almost all fields have been explored and ventured into by the Foochow community, thereby impacting the development and progress of Sabah’s physical and human capital development.
“They have successfully produced famous entrepreneurs as well as competent professionals. The persistence, success and work culture practiced by the Foochow community should be emulated by other races in this State,” he added.
