Kota Kinabalu: The Year of Tiger hopefully will see the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, said United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen.
She said the Tiger, a symbol of bravery, confidence and power, among others, will give the people of Sabah and leaders the strength to face any challenges.
She also hoped that the State Government under the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor will transform Sabah to be a progressive State.
“We are living in a multi-racial nation and we are fortunate that the State Government under Hajiji respects and supports Chinese cultural activities,” she said at the Chinese New Year 2022 Dragons, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival.
A total of 23 troupes showed their skills in the dragons, unicorns and lions dance in the event.
“USCCAKK has organised the Chinese New Year (CNY) Dragons, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival yearly for more than 30 years and this is our signature event.
“However, last year 2021, we had to cancel the programme for the first time last due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After a year’s silent, we are excited to bring back the festival this year.”
The State Government allocated a grant of RM80,000 for the event.
Susan also thanked the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide and Chinese communities’ leaders for their sponsorships and support.
Meanwhile, USCCAKK deputy president cum Organising Chairman Datuk Chua Soon Ping said the association has played a prominent role in protecting Chinese cultures, especially the annual lion dance celebration in the effort of promoting Chinese traditional art.
He said not only Chinese enjoy and appreciate the annual lion dance celebration but all races are united as one community.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister/Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Nonimated Assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia President Tan Sri T C Goh, Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui Fatt, Hokkien Association, Kota Kinabalu President Datuk Clement Yeh and Chinese community leaders.
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