KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin has accepted the invitation of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), as the Guest of Honor to grace and officiate at the 9th/2024 Sabah International Dragon Boat Race, joining participants from within and outside the state in a multicultural celebration.
The Governor also expressed appreciation and support for the Federation led by its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh, for organizing this annual event in cooperation with various state government departments and agencies. He especially acknowledged the Federation’s relentless efforts and dedication in organising the event which promotes national unity, cultural integration, and healthy tourism sports.
Goh, who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) disclosed this in a statement issued today, after leading the organising committee of the 9th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race, in paying a courtesy call to the Governor, at the State Palace here. Also in attendance were FCAS Deputy President cum Organising Chairman of the Race, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, the five FCAS Vice Presidents namely Kapitan Lim Vun Chan, Ng Young Wah, David Chan, Chang Jeng Yung, and Shirley Wong, and Central Committee members, Tan Guan Hock, Raymond Goh, and Philip Chang, among others.
During the briefing session, Goh expressed gratitude for the Governor’s longstanding support and blessings for the Federation’s efforts in promoting traditional Chinese culture. He also praised the Governor’s wise, open-minded and people-friendly governance, and his constant care for the development of various sectors in Sabah.
He also informed the Governor that this year’s event is included in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in the Sabah region, thus making it even more meaningful. The Race is aimed chiefly to preserve the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, as well as to promote Malaysia’s multicultural society, unity and harmony among Malaysians of various races, and bilateral relations and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China.
He continued that the Governor, who is well known for his love and care for the people like his own children, will be joining people of all ethnic groups and visitors from within and outside the state in watching the final rounds of the race, and to present awards to the participants. This will undoubtedly add splendor to the event.
Goh also noted that the Federation had earlier visited Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang, and Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Christina Liew, all of whom agreed to be special guests at the event.
The event will be held from June 7 to 9 at Likas Bay in Kota Kinabalu.
Deasoka
