Call to include ‘taiji’ in MoH’s White Paper
Published on: Friday, June 02, 2023
By: Wu Vui Tek
Liaw in a group photo with the new line-up.
Kota Kinabalu: Taiji, a traditional Chinese martial art and form of exercise, should be included in the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) White Paper.
President of the Kota Kinabalu Funei Li Taiji Sabah Association, Dato’ Seri Winston Liaw, said:
ADVERTISEMENT “Taiji is not just a martial art but also a way to promote health and strengthen the body.”
He added that the practice gained popularity among those who are health-conscious where they experienced an improvement in their well-being.
Liaw believes that taiji is an effective exercise in line with the adage of “prevention is better than cure” emphasised by Chinese traditional medicine.
He hoped the government will make healthcare and treatment affordable for the people, and that taiji can be part of the healthcare system.
ADVERTISEMENT The association, he said, attracted over thousands of people to learn taiji since its establishment 17 years ago.
With the encouraging progress, Liaw hoped the State Youth and Sports Ministry could consider allocating funds to the association to enable them to organise more programmes and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle.
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Liaw also sees its potential to be promoted as a form of sports tourism, citing the success of the inaugural Sabah Chinese Wushu Taiji Conference in 2017, which attracted many enthusiasts from around the world to the State.
“If the government gave us financial aid, the association is happy to host more similar international taiji activities to boost the State’s economy,” he said.
Liaw returned unopposed as the President of the association during their annual general meeting held recently.
The line-up for 2023-2025 include Datuk Sia Hiong Sing as Deputy President, David U (Secretary) and Elizebeth Wong (Treasurer).
The committee members are Wong Shin Fah, David Wong, Margaret Chin, Chung Siong Voon, Winnie Cheng, Raymond Cheong, Paul Chin, Sim Kain Yun, Lim Mui Cheng, Leong Sin Hon, and Chia Shu.
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