TAWAU, Feb 6 -- Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan wants the newly appointed Chinese community leaders or Kapitan to play an important role in bridging the gap between the Chinese community and the state government.
He said the Kapitan should use the trust given to them by the Sabah government to the best of their ability in carrying out the responsibility of conveying the right messages, including the government’s efforts towards the progress of the Chinese community in the state.
“We are aware that many Chinese have been influenced by campaigns that were seditious, especially involving racism perpetrated by the Opposition.
“In the past, the Chinese were more open and could unite with others, but since the Opposition governed the country before this, some sections of the community have been divided,” he told reporters at his office here today.
Earlier, Nizam presented donations to the Chinese community and celebrated the appointment of a new Kapitan of the Tawau district.
Nizam said the Sabah government was always open-minded and committed to continue to strengthen unity and at the same time build a sense of belonging among the people, especially among the Chinese community in the state in efforts to preserve the existing racial harmony.
Meanwhile, Nizam said, the state government is currently, among others, focusing on addressing the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic including helping frontliners and restoring the economy to ensure that the development efforts can be better undertaken.
“Therefore, I hope the Chinese community in this district will give their full cooperation to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government to govern the state and not be easily incited by the Opposition’s political game,” he said.
Nizam, who is also the Apas assemblyman hoped that the upcoming Chinese New Year will be celebrated with family at home in accordance with the standard operating procedures set by the Health Ministry.
He said this is to ensure that there are no cases of COVID-19 infection among the community during the celebration.
-- BERNAMA
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