Inviting Najib reveals Dong Zong recognises him as PM and trusts him
Friday, February 15, 2013 - 13:38
by The Malay Mail Team
Location: KUALA LUMPUR
PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Najib Razak has
accepted the invitation from the United Chinese School Committees Association
of Malaysia (Dong Zong) to attend its mammoth Chinese New Year open house on
Sunday.
He will be the guest of honour at the
event, touted as the largest and most significant gathering of the Chinese
community in recent years, at the Dong Zong Higher Learning Centre along Jalan
Bukit in Kajang.
The event is set to create history as it
would be the first time in over 50 years that a Malaysian prime minister has
graced an official event organised by Dong Zong, a vocal Chinese educationist
group.
“Najib has
accepted the (Dong Zong) invitation to be the guest of honour. This entire
event holds great signifi cance to the Chinese community ... the fact that Dong
Zong invited him reveals that the group recognises him as a prime minister and
trusts him.
“The Dong Zong
accepts him for being inclusive and the entire event is purely non-political.
It is merely a get-to-know session between Najib and those involved in the Dong
Zong community,” said a source.
Among those expected to attend are the
Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, the Chinese ambassador and the head of
the Taiwanese Cultural Mission.
Others include leaders of Chinese community
groups such as Hua Zong, Jiao Zong, educationists and non-governmental
organisations.
The Malay Mail had first front paged Dong
Zong’s invitation to Najib on Feb 8.
Yesterday, Dong Zong chairman Dr Yap Sin
Tian said the premier’s presence will symbolise the importance of the Chinese
community and Najib’s position in the community.
“Najib’s
presence is greatly important in making sure this event is effective and
overwhelming,” he said.
Dong Zong: ‘Historic occasion’
Event signals better ties between govt and Chinese community, says chairman
Thursday, February 14, 2013 - 15:03
by Hamzah Nazari
Location: PETALING JAYA
HARDLINE Chinese educationist pressure
group, Dong Zong, is all geared up to welcome Datuk Seri Najib Razak at its
Chinese New Year open house on Sunday, which it bills as a momentous event.
Dong Zong or the United Chinese School
Committees Association of Malaysia said the prime minister has accepted the
invitation to attend the function to be held at its Higher Learning Centre in
Jalan Bukit, Kajang.
About 3,000 guests, including the
Singaporean High Commissioner, as well as ambassadors and education groups from
China and Taiwan are expected to attend the open house.
The Malay Mail had first front paged Dong
Zong’s invitation to Najib on Feb 8.
Dong Zong chairman Dr Yap Sin Tian said it
would be a historic occasion because Najib would be the first premier in the
last 50 years to attend a Dong Zong event and this would signal well towards
fostering better ties between the government and the Chinese community.
“The prime
minister’s attendance will symbolise the important of the Chinese community and
his (Najib) position in the community.
“Dong Zong has
been established for 58 years and this is the first ice-breaking session with a
prime minister ... the highest ranking leader in the country.
“His presence
is important in making sure this gathering is effective and overwhelming,” he
said.
Yap said the presence of the prime minister
would enhance the overall mood of the celebration.
“A total 85
Chinese associations and organisations in Johor have expressed hope that Najib
will attend ... they will be coming and we hope Najib, with his hectic
schedule, will make it.
“The gathering
is in no way to pressure the prime minister for anything ... but to celebrate
with him,” added Yap.
Meanwhile, Chow Siew Hon, Dong Zong deputy
chairman, said among those who will be welcoming the premier include the
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), the
Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
(KLSCCCI) and Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembley Hall (KLSCAH).
“Chinese
education in Malaysia has always been in a difficult position. We hope that
through this gathering, we will be able to foster a better understanding
towards a stronger working relationship in future,” he said.
Apart from a host of local delicacies,
guests at the open house will also be treated to a display of Chinese
traditional arts, cultural performances including Indian dancers, wayang kulit
and also calligraphy.
“There will
also be a showcase on Chinese history and other activities. We are very happy
the prime minister will be there to join us ... this is a real pleasure for
us,” said Chow.
（来源：The Malay
Mail ）
