Minister declines yee sang toss at Sibu CNY celebration in solidarity with Bintulu flood victims

Tiong (centre) at Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture's Chinese New Year open house held at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre in Sibu on Jan 30, 2025.
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By Lian Cheng

SIBU, Jan 30: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who is also the president of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), declines to participate in the traditional yee sang (raw fish) tossing during the Ministry’s Chinese New Year open house here, citing discomfort with celebrating while many of his constituents in Bintulu are grappling with severe floods.

According to PDP Deputy President Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Tiong, who also serves as the Bintulu Member of Parliament and Dudong State Assemblyman, attended the celebration in Sibu out of duty to his constituents in Dudong.

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Jinep (left) at Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s Chinese New Year open house held at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre in Sibu on Jan 30, 2025.

However, he chose not to partake in the yee sang tossing, as he felt it inappropriate to celebrate amidst the hardship facing the people in Bintulu constituency.

“He came back because Dudong is also his constituency, but he couldn’t join in the yee sang tossing. He said it felt wrong to celebrate while people on the ground are suffering.

“He holds his people very close to his heart,” said Harry, who is also the Deputy Transport Minister.

Tiong listening to people’s needs at Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s Chinese New Year open house held at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre in Sibu on Jan 30, 2025.

Harry added that Tiong would be returning to Bintulu soon to oversee relief efforts in the flood-affected areas, especially the longhouses.

“Many areas in Bintulu, including some town areas, are flooded. I think he is more concerned about the suffering of his people in Bintulu,” he said.

The Ministry’s Chinese New Year celebration, held at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre, drew around 18,000 participants, causing severe traffic congestion in surrounding areas for several hours.

In attendance at the event were PDP leaders Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, as well as Democratic Action Party (DAP) leaders, including Alice Lau, Lanang MP, and Oscar Ling, Sibu MP. — DayakDaily

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