KUCHING: The Nanyang Ji Gong Memorial being developed at Palmarium Park, Jalan Padungan, here will serve as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and patriotism that should continue shaping Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the project was not merely about preserving the history of the Nanyang Chinese community who assisted China during the Second World War, but also about reminding younger generations of the values needed to strengthen Sarawak’s future.
“This is not merely about the bravery of Sarawakian Chinese who returned to help China during the war, but about the values of courage and love for one’s country.
“These are the values Sarawak needs today in our nation-building efforts,” he said when speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the memorial here today (May 17).
According to Dr Sim, more than 3,000 Chinese from Southeast Asia, including Sarawak, Malaya, Indonesia and Thailand, returned to China during the war to support efforts against Japanese occupation by helping to build roads and railway lines and carrying out mechanical work.
Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak’s development could not rely solely on the government, but required active participation from the people themselves.
“I always say, it is not only about what the country can do for us, but what we can do for Sarawak,” he said.
“The government will do its best for the people, but the people must also do something for Sarawak if we want to become a successful region.”
He added that the 80 years of peace enjoyed after the end of the Second World War had become the foundation for global prosperity and economic stability.
Dr Sim said that current conflicts in Europe and the Middle East demonstrated how important peace remains for sustaining economic growth and public wellbeing.
The Deputy Premier also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sarawak and China’s Yunnan Province, which he described as Sarawak’s first friendship province in China.
He noted that the visit by Yunnan Communist Party Secretary, Wang Ning, to Sarawak last year for the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Nanyang Ji Gong reflected China’s continued appreciation of the historical relationship and sacrifices made by the Nanyang community.
“This is about values and appreciation of history. They still remember the sacrifices of the Nanyang community and the relationship with Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim added that the memorial project was made possible through collaboration between the Chinese Government, the Chinese business community, Chinese associations, and elected representatives as part of efforts to preserve history and strengthen friendship between Sarawak and China.
