New Year Speech by the Chairman of Dong Zong Mr Tan Tai Kim
January 1, 2023
Today we usher in a new year which bodes well for a fresh start for everything. Dong Zong wishes you a Happy New Year!
Though the ravage of COVID-19 moderates, pandemic prevention, economics and social functioning gradually return to normality, it is imperative that we all stay vigilant and avoid negligence.
The 15th General Election has ended soon after the formation of the new cabinet and our prime minister Anwar Ibrahim shoulders the responsibility and obligation to boost economics and uphold public welfare under watchful eyes. In what way the new government will reform the existing institution, reinvent the inefficient system to equally distribute resources will put it to test and challenge its determination. Apart from the welfare-generating ruling party, the society also demands competent opposition parties where rational middle course is adapted and narrow-mindedness discarded for benign competition in bid to assure the smooth transformation of democracy.
Notwithstanding being an old nation, the mission of Zhou dynasty in Chinese ancient history was to reform and it fits in our current situation. To begin with, other correct matters such as anti-corruption, judicial reforms, the revamp of accountability unit, the restoration of social relationship as well as the ending of ethnic contradictions are what the new government can address. We are convinced, as far as the new government could stay beyond partisan interests and take public interest as priority with an adherence of openness and diversity-aware compassion, its consequent success would be assured. In the meantime, non-governmental organisations at large also need to supervise the government as well as the ruling and opposition parties to ensure the consummation of partisan politics and the lay-down of perpetual democratic foundation.
Ever since the new government takes office, the right-winged populist power has excessively rendered and hyped the UEC issue with the agenda to generate confrontation, attack the credibility of the new government and disrupt public order. The acceptance of the UEC is an academic and educational issue, thus only rational dialogue can clarify the ambiguity to its final recognition. The ultimate goal of dialogue is to tackle a problem by letting go of ideology and emotional narratives besides elucidating the ambiguity within, only not venting willfully one’s dogmatic position and emotion. We understand the apprehension of the Malay community and are willing to initiate dialogue with all social strata concerned with the greatest and most sincere endeavour. Our aim is to enhance understanding and build up mutual trust, besides garnering consensus in bid to mull over the said educational issues rationally and pragmatically.
Before the new government resubmits the Budget, Dong Zong reckons it wise the inadequacy of Budget 2023 be reviewed appropriately; that said, the appropriation for all streams of schools needs to be published in detail, let alone that for MICSSs and the three privately funded non-profit university colleges. We expect the government to treat all streams of schools fairly and distribute education resources reasonably to show its recognition for their contribution in national education. Moreover, we also hope that the country’s multi-social and diverse inherence will be taken as fortes.
The multi-purpose education complex initiated by Dong Zong serves as a Chinese education base to promote Chinese education and cultural exchanges. Attributed to the raise of building cost and commodity price, the total sum to be raised has since been marked up to RM420 million. As of the 1st of December 2022, RM308.1 million had been raised. As such, the continuous support in monetary term from all walks of life is sincerely expected.
The holding of UEC had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years; 2022 even saw a date clash with the 15th General Election though it was finally held after several reschedules. Dong Zong takes this opportunity to acknowledge the compliant support of all social strata and stakeholders. We wish that after the release of the UEC results, all UEC holders—either going for further studies or taking up a job—will fare smoothly.
Dong Zong anticipates all in the country to advance abreast in concerted effort, taking economic recovery and the alleviation of living cost as priorities. Hopefully, the dire straits can be ridded of and this new year begins with a bright slate.