(Miri, 14th) Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee King Sing stated that the He Po Clan Association has long played an important role in the Miri community. Not only does it actively promote cultural heritage, but it also fosters a spirit of respect for the elderly and mutual support, thereby uniting fellow villagers and demonstrating the community’s strong cohesion.
He said that He Po people have always been known for their diligence, frugality, steadfastness, and deep sense of loyalty and righteousness. This well-known “He Po spirit” enables He Po villagers to gain respect and establish themselves wherever they may be, continuously contributing to the development of Miri and even Sarawak as a whole.
Dato Sri Lee King Sing—who is also an honorary advisor—conveyed these remarks in a speech delivered today at the December Senior Citizens’ Birthday Celebration and year-end luncheon (involving the Management Committee, Youth Wing, Women’s Group, and Elderly Group) organized by the Sarawak Miri He Po Clan Association at Jubilee Restaurant. As he could not attend in person, Temenggong Yong Hui Seng attended and read out his speech on his behalf.
Lee King Sing pointed out that their generation has personally witnessed the tremendous changes in Sarawak over the past decades, moving step by step from a humble past to today’s steady and well-planned development, with significant improvements in economy, infrastructure, education systems, and living environment.
He mentioned that there used to be many misunderstandings about Sarawak from outsiders, including inaccurate stereotypes. However, under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Abang Johari, Sarawak now stands tall on the national stage, its safety and stability and economic potential drawing great attention, and an increasing number of people aspire to live and develop in Sarawak.
“This clearly shows that Sarawak is constantly progressing and reflects the unity of Sarawak’s society, as well as the correct governance and development direction of the state government, which have earned national recognition.”
He emphasized that Sarawak is at the forefront in areas such as clean energy, hydrogen economy, technological development, educational reform, transport planning, and urban construction. These achievements are not only the result of the current government’s efforts, but also the foundation laid brick by brick by elders of all ethnicities over the decades.
“Sarawak’s current prosperity, stability, and harmony cannot be separated from the long-standing family values, cultural traditions, and social contributions maintained by everyone. All of you are important chapters in Sarawak’s development journey.”
At the event, he also extended his sincere birthday wishes to the celebrants of the month and called on the younger generation to spend more time with and show greater care for the elderly, continuing to pass down the He Po traditions of diligence, steadfastness, unity, and mutual assistance, so that the cultural foundation of Sarawak will be even stronger and transmitted from generation to generation.
In addition, Chua Chuan Chuang, president of the Sarawak Miri He Po Clan Association, said in his speech that last month, in November, the Association organized a 63-member delegation of fellow villagers to visit Meizhou—hailed as the “capital of Hakka people” and birthplace of the Hakka community—as well as Heyuan and other places, to gain deeper insight into Nanyang history and Hakka culture.
He said the delegation also visited the Nanyang History and Culture Museum in Songkou, China, reviewed the hardships of their forebears when they migrated south to Nanyang, and explored traditional villages. Some of the members even returned to their hometowns in He Po, visited He Po Cultural Street, tasted Lei Cha, and visited the Overseas Chinese Memorial Hall in Jiexi County to deepen their understanding of overseas Chinese history and ancestral culture.
Chua Chuan Chuang pointed out that during the journey, team members cooperated and cared for each other, ensuring the trip ran smoothly and everyone arrived home safely. He also took the opportunity to thank all fellow villagers for their support and contributions to the association over the years.
Dato Sri Lee King Sing—who is also an honorary advisor—conveyed these remarks in a speech delivered today at the December Senior Citizens’ Birthday Celebration and year-end luncheon (involving the Management Committee, Youth Wing, Women’s Group, and Elderly Group) organized by the Sarawak Miri He Po Clan Association at Jubilee Restaurant. As he could not attend in person, Temenggong Yong Hui Seng attended and read out his speech on his behalf.
Lee King Sing pointed out that their generation has personally witnessed the tremendous changes in Sarawak over the past decades, moving step by step from a humble past to today’s steady and well-planned development, with significant improvements in economy, infrastructure, education systems, and living environment.
He mentioned that there used to be many misunderstandings about Sarawak from outsiders, including inaccurate stereotypes. However, under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Abang Johari, Sarawak now stands tall on the national stage, its safety and stability and economic potential drawing great attention, and an increasing number of people aspire to live and develop in Sarawak.
“This clearly shows that Sarawak is constantly progressing and reflects the unity of Sarawak’s society, as well as the correct governance and development direction of the state government, which have earned national recognition.”
He emphasized that Sarawak is at the forefront in areas such as clean energy, hydrogen economy, technological development, educational reform, transport planning, and urban construction. These achievements are not only the result of the current government’s efforts, but also the foundation laid brick by brick by elders of all ethnicities over the decades.
“Sarawak’s current prosperity, stability, and harmony cannot be separated from the long-standing family values, cultural traditions, and social contributions maintained by everyone. All of you are important chapters in Sarawak’s development journey.”
At the event, he also extended his sincere birthday wishes to the celebrants of the month and called on the younger generation to spend more time with and show greater care for the elderly, continuing to pass down the He Po traditions of diligence, steadfastness, unity, and mutual assistance, so that the cultural foundation of Sarawak will be even stronger and transmitted from generation to generation.
In addition, Chua Chuan Chuang, president of the Sarawak Miri He Po Clan Association, said in his speech that last month, in November, the Association organized a 63-member delegation of fellow villagers to visit Meizhou—hailed as the “capital of Hakka people” and birthplace of the Hakka community—as well as Heyuan and other places, to gain deeper insight into Nanyang history and Hakka culture.
He said the delegation also visited the Nanyang History and Culture Museum in Songkou, China, reviewed the hardships of their forebears when they migrated south to Nanyang, and explored traditional villages. Some of the members even returned to their hometowns in He Po, visited He Po Cultural Street, tasted Lei Cha, and visited the Overseas Chinese Memorial Hall in Jiexi County to deepen their understanding of overseas Chinese history and ancestral culture.
Chua Chuan Chuang pointed out that during the journey, team members cooperated and cared for each other, ensuring the trip ran smoothly and everyone arrived home safely. He also took the opportunity to thank all fellow villagers for their support and contributions to the association over the years.