(Miri, 7th) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that the Chinese community has always placed great importance on community organizations, with community leaders playing a crucial role in maintaining community unity. For a long time, these community leaders have silently contributed to their respective communities, playing key roles in coordinating community affairs, assisting residents in solving problems, and promoting community activities, thus contributing to the stability and harmony of the community.
He made these remarks today while attending the "Year of the Fire Horse Welcoming Spring" Chinese New Year luncheon organized by the Miri Chinese Community Leaders Association at the Grand Ballroom of the Meritz Hotel.
Lee Kim Shin pointed out that in Sarawak's multi-ethnic and multicultural social structure, community leaders are not only representatives of their communities but also serve as important bridges between the government and the people. Through communication and feedback from community leaders, the government can better understand grassroots voices, while the people can better grasp government policies and development directions.
He said that he has always regarded community leaders as important grassroots partners of the government. Everyone is not acting separately but working side by side to build a more progressive, prosperous, and livable Miri.
He stated that as a people's representative and minister, his duty is to bring the people's voices to the government and promote the implementation of various development plans. However, the Senadin constituency covers a vast area with numerous affairs. Without the assistance and cooperation of community leaders at the grassroots, many tasks would be difficult to carry out smoothly. Therefore, he thanked community leaders for their long-term assistance in communication, problem reporting, and coordinating affairs, which enables the government to quickly grasp public sentiment and effectively solve problems.
At the same time, he hopes that community leaders will continue to play their roles and responsibilities. Being appointed as a community leader represents the trust of both government and people, as well as the responsibilities that come with it.
He said that in grassroots societies, many issues are often first encountered by community leaders, such as blocked drains, potholes, damaged street lights, and broken public facilities. These seemingly minor problems can directly affect residents' lives and safety.
Therefore, when residents report issues, he hopes that community leaders can proactively assist and promptly report or reflect to relevant units to expedite solutions, since community leaders are most familiar with local situations and closest to the people.
He also pointed out that community leaders should not just hold the title, but truly fulfill their roles so that residents have someone to listen to and help them solve problems when facing difficulties.
At the same time, he encouraged community leaders to proactively understand various government policies and welfare programs and assist eligible residents in applying, ensuring that government policies truly reach the grassroots and benefit the people.
Lee Kim Shin pointed out that Sarawak has always been known for its diversity and harmony. People of various races and religions respect and tolerate each other, which is Sarawak's most valuable asset, worthy of everyone's joint cherish and protection.
He said that the Sarawak government is currently actively promoting various development and transformation plans, aiming to become a high-income and sustainable region by 2030. As an important city in Northern Sarawak, Miri is also experiencing many new development opportunities, whether in transportation infrastructure, economic development, tourism, education, or new industry sectors, all with broad development prospects.
He stated that the Chinese community has always been an important driving force for Sarawak's economic and social development, making significant contributions in commerce, education, and social services.
Lee Kim Shin expressed his gratitude to the Miri Chinese Community Leaders Association for their contributions to the community over the years. He also hopes that the younger generation of the Chinese community will actively seize development opportunities in Sarawak, participate not only in business development but also consider joining the civil service to serve society and the nation. The government needs more talent from various ethnic groups to jointly promote policy implementation and contribute to Sarawak's development.