Nga Kor Ming Urges Chinese Associations to Become Bridges to Promote Interracial Harmony and Unity

(Kuala Lumpur, 24th) Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming pointed out today that Malaysia is a nation of diverse cultures, and that pluralism, openness, inclusiveness, and progress must become the country's theme song. He stated that the various ethnic cultures are valuable assets of the nation and that national unity is a crucial key to Malaysia progressing towards becoming a modern and advanced nation!

In conjunction with the upcoming National Day, he called on the thousands of Chinese associations in Malaysia to not only pass down Chinese culture but to also actively 'move and step out', taking the initiative to share the profound Chinese culture with all ethnic groups, to promote national unity and strengthen understanding and trust among one another.

"As the Malay proverb says, Tak kenal maka tak cinta. We must take the initiative to share the unique Malaysian Chinese culture; this is the confidence of our heritage, so that more non-Chinese compatriots can get to know our culture. Only by knowing and understanding each other can we promote national unity."

Nga Kor Ming made these remarks last night (23rd) when he was invited to attend the 137th anniversary celebration of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association as the guest of honor and delivered a speech.

He pointed out that the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association has thrived for 137 years, fully embodying the spirit of unity among Hainanese associations. He expressed hope that Chinese associations nationwide can play a similar role: professional management and diversified activities, not only excelling in cultural heritage, but also becoming bridges for communication and exchange between different ethnic groups.

He said, "Our Federal Constitution guarantees the right of all ethnicities to receive education in their mother tongue and to pass down their culture. The MADANI government will continue to uphold the spirit of multiculturalism, openness, and inclusiveness, maintaining the unique features of our multi-ethnic society. The government has now started to fully fund new Chinese and Tamil primary schools, including Taiping Yuk Wah Chinese Primary School. This is yet another commendable pioneering move by the MADANI government."

RM200 Million Allocated to Non-Islamic Religious Sites

Nga Kor Ming said that since the Ministry of Housing and Local Government established the Non-Islamic Affairs Unit in 2023, the government has continued to allocate funds to assist Chinese temples, Hindu temples, and churches nationwide with renovations and upgrades. Over the past four years, the total allocations have reached RM200 million, a record high.

"In terms of Chinese education, this year the MADANI government allocated RM20.16 million to 63 independent Chinese secondary schools across the country, with each school receiving an average of RM320,000. Coupled with the Selangor state government’s annual institutionalized grant of RM500,000, each independent school in Selangor received a total of RM820,000 this year. The grants for independent Chinese secondary schools have also reached a historic high."

Meanwhile, in recent years, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has also actively promoted the development of Chinese new villages, and has driven the transformation of new villages in four main directions: infrastructure development, beautification, tourism, and quality products from new villages. Annual allocations have exceeded RM100 million, and the cumulative total has surpassed RM400 million!

Nga Kor Ming highlighted that under the "Quality Products of New Villages" initiative, efforts are made to help quality products from new villages establish themselves in Malaysia and expand overseas markets. This year, the Ministry even led new village entrepreneurs to participate in the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (Harbin International Fair) in China, marking the first time Malaysian new village brands appeared on an international stage.

"We are also actively promoting tourism in new villages. For instance, new villages such as Kuala Kubu Bahru, Ayer Tawar, and Sekinchan all possess their own unique history, culture, and local features. The government hopes to integrate tourism, culture, and the local economy to inject new vitality into the new villages and attract young talent to return."

Nga Kor Ming admitted that building a truly multicultural, inclusive, and united country is not easy, nor can it be achieved overnight. Therefore, he sincerely called on all parties to uphold patience, confidence, and love to jointly maintain the hard-won ethnic and social harmony.

"It is time for us to stand up and reject outdated racial politics and theocracy. Such old-fashioned thinking completely contradicts our nation's spirit of secular and multicultural nation-building."

"We are all Malaysians, holding the same identity card. As long as we are willing to understand and be more tolerant of each other, and move forward step by step with patience, confidence, and love, I firmly believe that Malaysia can definitely become a more united, harmonious, and progressive nation."

At the event, Nga Kor Ming also announced a grant of RM20,000 to the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association and handed over the grant to President Foo Ho Chak to support the association’s ongoing cultural heritage and community activities. The anniversary celebration was attended by many distinguished guests, including the National President of the Malaysian Hainan Association Federation, Dato' Yong Kek How, Honorary Life President Dato' Seri Foo Chi King, outstanding Hainanese leader Tan Sri Chen Chun Chuan, Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat, Dato' Teng Chang Khim, and many others. The atmosphere was lively.