KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Yong Teck Lee wants Sabahans to embrace the strength and enduring characteristics of the horse to help them weather through the rough times ahead.
He said although the Year of the Horse will bring some comfort, Sabahans would still need to be ‘equipped’ to cope with the country’s troubled economic climate.
Already Sabahans are weighed down by spiralling prices of goods, food and vegetables, higher electricity tarriffs and fuel charges.
In his Chinese New Year message issued here yesterday, Yong who is the president of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) said he is convinced that just like in the past, Sabahans would maintain their resilience, ingenuity and creativity in overcoming whatever difficulties ahead.
“The trend of family incomes not being able to keep up with the family commitments such as education, health and housing will continue in the new year.
“Over and above fuel and electricity price hikes, our purchasing power is being diluted by imported inflation caused by a weakening Ringgit in comparison with our major trading partners like America and China..
“The horse represents strength and endurance. To be strong and enduring, we must be more efficient, be more cost effective and yet more productive in the new year in order to overcome the challenges in the new year.
“We should also bear a thought for the children who are not able to come home for reunions and the parents who welcome the new year without their offspring at home for whatever reason.
“May everyone have a safe, happy and harmonious welcoming of the new Year of the Horse. I wish everybody a happy, healthy and prosperous new Year of the Horse. Gong Xi Fa Cai!”
Queville To
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