PUTATAN: The needs of the Chinese community in Putatan have garnered the attention of the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, has committed to providing a special allocation of RM30,000 to both SRJK Hwa Shiong Putatan and Tai Pak Kung Temple Putatan.
Additionally, he has facilitated a contribution of RM5,000 from Touchpoint for the Tiong Hwa Community Welfare Organisation in Putatan and the UTC Kota Kinabalu Senior Citizens Activity Centre.
This funding approval follows a request made by the Chinese community during today’s event.
“I want to be part of the solution to the challenges and needs of the people in Putatan. Addressing their needs falls under the purview of the responsible ministries and the state government,” he stated when speaking to reporters after attending the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Tiong Hwa Community Welfare Organisation and the UTC Kota Kinabalu Senior Citizens Activity Centre at Putatan Mall.
Regarding the celebration, Ewon expressed his hope that such events would further strengthen the unity among Malaysia’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
“Malaysia is about togetherness, both regionally—between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo—and ethnically. If one region seeks to separate, the nation as a whole will cease to exist.
“Moreover, our ethnic diversity has defined Malaysia as a multicultural nation with various races, religions, and cultural heritages. If one ethnic group attempts to distance itself from another, any government will face significant challenges in governance.
“That’s why we aim to foster unity among the people at all times, not just during Chinese New Year, but also during Hari Raya and Pesta Kaamatan,” he emphasised.
He also expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken by both organisations.
