Goh (fourth left) presents a menento to Hajiji (fourth right) meanwhile Wong (third left) and various FCAS leaders look on, during the courtesy call.
KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) President Tan Sri T C Goh has expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor for agreeing to be the special guest at this year’s Sabah International Dragon Boat Race, which is being organised by FCAS.
He also thanked the State Government for promising to provide support and assistance in all aspects, and gave assurance that the FCAS and the organising committee will spare no effort in organising this international event successfully.
He said since 2013, the Sabah Government, through the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry, has entrusted the FCAS to host the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race annually. With everyone’s joint efforts, the event has been getting better each year, with increasing numbers of participating teams and encouraging progress.
He reiterated that this year’s race will be held as usual at Likas Bay here.
Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) said this in a statement issued today, after leading delegation of FCAS leaders and the organising committee of the dragon boat race, in paying a courtesy call to the Chief Minister at Menara Kinabalu here, to report on the progress of this year’s event.
Also in attendance were FCAS Deputy President cum organising chairwoman of the race Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, Vice President Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, Vice Presidents David Chan and Ng Young Wah, Treasurer-General Chen Ee Sheng and Central Committee member Datuk Goh Wat Kheng, among others.
Goh also expressed his utmost gratitude to the Chief Minister for accepting the organising committee’s invitation, as the special guest for the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race, without hesitation, describing it as a strong testimony of the Chief Minister’s unwavering support for this international event over the years!
He also thanked the Chief Minister for his acknowledgement that the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race has developed into a renowned international annual event, integrating culture, tourism and sports, and bringing positive effects in promoting national unity.
Goh also expressed his utmost gratitude to the Sabah Government, led by Hajiji, for their continued care and support for Sabah’s Chinese culture.
He especially noted that the Chief Minister’s hometown, Tuaran, is also one of the important participating teams in the annual dragon boat race organized by the FCAS.
“We are truly touched by and greatly appreciate the young people of Tuaran, including those from various ethnic groups, for their enthusiasm of participating in the dragon boat race every year. Their consistent enthusiasm and support is definitely one of the key sources of motivation and strength for promoting the dragon boat culture among various ethnic groups,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong expressed optimism that this year’s dragon boat race is expected to continue its success from previous years, with over a hundred dragon boat teams from within and outside the state expected to register and participate, once again creating a great buzz.
She pointed out that this year’s event will be held from June 7 (Friday) to 9 (Sunday), with the main guest of honor being the Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R M Jasni, and the special guest being Hajiji. Sabah Cabinet ministers will also be invited to attend.
The registration fee for the 2024 9th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race is RM 300 per team, with the registration deadline set for 12 noon on May 27 (Monday).
Teams wishing to register can contact the organizing committee secretary Regina Ngu at +60 12 411 5534, the FCAS secretariat at +60 88 253 433 (landline), +60 11 5555 9428 (mobile/WhatsApp), or via email at fcasinfo@gmail.com.
