By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 11: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng urges against spreading rumours that would create tension and threaten the unity of the people after he refuted the claim that the Chinese do not have to pay rental fees for the Kuching Festival Food Fair but other races do.
He made the remark after the Kuching Clean Toilet Campaign certificate presentation ceremony, which took place today in the MBKS lobby.
“When we had the Raya bazaar last month, some people raised the issue of other races not having to pay the rental fee but the Chinese having to.
“I’m not sure if they’re spreading this rumour on purpose or not, but please, for God’s sake, don’t ruin the peace in Sarawak because no one has the right to do so.
“There is no such thing as the Chinese or Malays not having to pay because everyone has to pay,” he asserted.
Wee mentioned that during the Raya bazaar, eight corporate bodies stepped forward and sponsored all of the rentals.
“So, I cannot go and charge the people again, correct?
“For the Kuching Festival Food Fair, it attracts large crowds and it has a commercial identity, and people are making money, so we charge a reasonable fee,” he explained.
The mayor stated that they continue to maintain the same rental prices as before, that they strive to reduce unnecessary expenses, and that they are in discussions with vendors to keep food prices reasonable.
“After more than two years, I’m sure everyone is aware that all prices are rising.
“Even the rental price for canopies is increasing, but we maintained the booth rental price because it is one of the ways in which we can assist,” he said.
Wee clarified that the Council treats everyone the same, and that even in areas where they are not under the jurisdiction of MBKS, they assist in any way they can.
“So don’t start any rumours like this because they won’t get you any political mileage and will only sour relations between races.
“When we put up the decorations at the White Cat Garden for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Gawai, and Wesak Day, for example, there were no unnecessary rumours; it’s the same concept.
“Therefore, refrain from spreading unnecessary rumours, as they have no right to disrupt the unity of the people,” he added. — DayakDaily
