Chinese grouping gets RM50,000 gift

(Daily Express) Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has received a RM50,000 grant from the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal when presenting the grant on Tuesday said it was in support of the FCAS' activities and programmes especially those involving youths.

In his speech during the presentation ceremony and Chinese New Year gathering, Shafie lauded FCAS for inspiring the younger generation to become better citizens.

"The younger generation is the country's future leaders and manpower. So it is apt that we nurture them," he said.

Speaking to reporters after the mock cheque presentation, Shafie reminded that there is a need to preserve and strengthen unity in the country as it is imperative for the country's stability.

With stability, there will be development as well as progress for the country, he said adding: "We can see Malaysia progress because its citizens, despite being multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural, are united.

"The rakyat must ensure the continuity of unity because political instability is detrimental to the country's development," he said, adding that it was therefore important that educating and creating awareness about unity is started early among youths.

"If we cannot be united, we will not be able to overcome economic challenges properly. This economic instability can be seen in countries which do not have unity," he pointed out.

The mock cheque was received by FCAS' Vice President-cum-Youth Movement Chief Steven Liaw. Also present were FCAS' President Datuk Seri Panglima Sari Nuar, National Handicraft Chairman Datuk Salleh Said Keruak and the association's leaders.