KOTA KINABALU: The Chinese business community has full confidence in the current government, with Chinese chambers of commerce actively setting up Women’s and Youth divisions.
These highly promising women and youth members are expected to contribute their efforts in serving the government and society in the future.
Datuk Dexter Lau, President of the Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah, stressed that the Chinese business community has always played an active role in the state’s development process. With the establishment of Women’s and Youth divisions under various Chinese chambers of commerce, more new-generation entrepreneurs and social leaders are bound to be nurtured.
He expressed his firm belief that as long as the government continues to provide opportunities, the Chinese community will shoulder its responsibility in helping to groom business leaders and in jointly realising the vision of “This is our home, we are all children of Sabah, let us protect it together.”
Speaking at the ““Friendship Dinner with the Chinese Community, Education and Non-Islamic Religious Groups”, Datuk Dexter pointed out that under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the state government has achieved remarkable results in recent years.
In 2019, Sabah’s revenue stood at RM4.2 billion, but by 2023 it had risen to RM7 billion — nearly doubling in just four years.
On the investment front, in the first quarter of this year alone, Sabah recorded RM10.9 billion in approved foreign investments, ranking third nationwide after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. He described this as a proud achievement worthy of resounding applause from the people.
He further noted that the state government’s efforts in promoting investment and industrialisation have not only driven economic growth but also significantly increased job opportunities. Employment this year has surpassed 150,000, while the unemployment rate has dropped to 6.2%, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These achievements fully demonstrate the state government’s efficient governance and broad vision. On behalf of the Chinese business community, I extend my highest respect and warmest congratulations to the state government,” he said.
Lau also expressed gratitude for the state government’s continued support of the Chinese community, associations, non-Islamic religious bodies, and all vernacular education groups.
The state government’s allocations to the Chinese community associations, non-Islamic religious bodies, and various vernacular education groups have increased year by year, reaching as high as RM70 million this year.
