Li Jingsheng Hopes to Pass Down Centuries-Old Literature and History: Genealogy Culture Is the Spiritual Root

(Miri, 23rd) Sarawak Miri Lee Clan Association Permanent Honorary Advisor and Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, pointed out that genealogy culture is not only a traditional memory of the clan, but also an important part of Chinese cultural values, bearing the direction, lineage, and spirit of the family. He called on all Lee organizations nationwide to join hands in systematically organizing genealogies and historical records, leaving behind an everlasting cultural heritage for future generations.
As one of the founding advocates, Lee Kim Shin made these remarks during his speech at the “Miri Lee United to Celebrate Silver Jubilee, Families Together Creating Brilliance” 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Banquet held last night at the Banquet Hall on the fifth floor of Imperial Palace Hotel by the Sarawak Miri Lee Clan Association.
He said that the Lee clan has always placed great importance on family genealogies and generational order, which is not only a family tradition but also the root of culture. “We have a responsibility to help the younger generation understand their roots, so that the culture of genealogy can continue, allowing the Lee spirit to be passed down.”

Lee Kim Shin expressed that he hopes in the future, the Miri Lee Clan Association can cooperate with affiliated associations nationwide to carry out a more systematic cultural sorting project, including tracing the origins of local clan halls, editing clan genealogies and migration history, recording clan members’ stories, collecting oral histories, and studying the roots and development process of the Lee family in Malaysia and Sarawak.
“When conditions permit, we can even jointly publish the ‘Malaysian Lee Family History Collection’, ‘Lee Family Hall Names and Family Culture Chronicles’, and establish an online genealogy and historical database.”
He said that this is not only a cultural project but also a spiritual legacy for future generations.

Speaking about the role of clan associations in development, Lee Kim Shin emphasized that clan associations are not only cultural organizations but also an important force in society. “The next 10 years are a key stage for Sarawak’s development. Whether it’s the economy, talent, education, or green transformation, all need participation from all sectors of society. The value and organizational ability of clan associations are the foundation of social stability and development.”
He said that in the past 25 years, the Miri Lee Clan Association has not only inherited culture but also actively promoted education, cultural activities, and community building, playing an important role in community harmony.
He pointed out that many clan associations face insufficient youth participation, so organizations must “modernize and keep up with the times”, including promoting management and activities in a more youth-oriented and digital way to attract the new generation to join.

“We live in the age of artificial intelligence, and clan associations must also keep pace with the times, including digital management, event design, and communication methods.”
Lee Kim Shin recalled the process of promoting the establishment of the Miri Lee Clan Association and purchasing the halls, and admitted that it was not easy, but thanks to the unity and efforts of the committee and clan members, the first and second halls were successfully purchased, laying a solid foundation for the stable development of the association.
“As long as we are united, everything can be achieved. The achievements of the past 25 years are the best proof.”
Lee Kim Shin also praised the Sarawak state government for its long-term support of the Chinese community, including recognizing the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of local Chinese independent schools, allocating annual funds to independent school education funds, supporting the affairs of other religions, and from 2026 onwards, implementing a policy that allows Sarawak students entering the four Sarawak state universities to enjoy full tuition fee exemption.

He said these policies will greatly enhance educational opportunities for Sarawak youth, helping more students from families unable to afford university fees complete higher education.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Miri Lee Clan Association has gone through 25 years, from grassroots beginnings to full development, overcoming challenges and tests, all thanks to generations of clan members working together.
“Tonight, we are not simply celebrating the birthday of an organization, but celebrating a spirit, a tradition, and the strength of an ethnic group.”
He hopes the Silver Jubilee celebration will become a new starting point for the next brilliant chapter.