SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) highly values the active role played by the Sandakan United Chinese Community Association in the successful implementation of various cultural, social and community programmes in the district.
MPS President Walter Kenson said that at the same time, MPS also aspires to forge a closer and more structured relationship by proposing the Sandakan United Chinese Community Association as a strategic partner of MPS.
“MPS believes that a close relationship and strategic cooperation between MPS and this association will not only strengthen unity, but will also be able to stimulate Sandakan’s economic growth,” he said when officiating the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Performance Ceremony in conjunction with the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Sandakan United Chinese Community Association at Dewan Yu Yuan here, on Saturday.
He said it is timely for all stakeholders, particularly associations under the umbrella of the Sandakan United Chinese Community Association, to continuously collaborate with MPS to advance Sandakan’s economy.
“Such cooperation is crucial to enable joint planning and implementation of initiatives that can drive the city’s physical development, encourage economic activities and attract more investment opportunities to Sandakan.
“This is also among the main objectives behind plans to formalise a memorandum of understanding to designate the Sandakan United Chinese Community Association as MPS’s strategic partner,” he said.
He explained that this strategic partnership understanding could serve as an official and well-structured platform for cooperation between MPS and the association to ensure that Sandakan’s development is driven in an inclusive, sustainable and high-impact manner for the local community.
A total of 22 dragon, lion and unicorn dance associations participated in the event.
Meanwhile, Walter said that dragon, unicorn and lion dance performances not only reflect the beauty of cultural arts, but also symbolise values of bravery, wisdom, prosperity and well-being that hold deep significance in Chinese culture.
“The organisation of such programmes is very much in line with the spirit of a plural society in Sandakan, where cultural diversity is celebrated together in a harmonious atmosphere of mutual respect,” he added.
Such foundations of unity, he said, must be continuously upheld for the well-being of the people of Sandakan.
Earlier, Organising Chairman Chan Boon Thian said the annual event, organised by the association since 1980, continues to enliven the celebrations in a spirit of harmony.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam, Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee, the association’s President Datuk Edward Khoo, Sungai Manila Assemblyman Hazem Mubarak Musa, Sungai Sibuga Assemblywoman Lisa Hassan Alban, Gum-Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib, Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Alex Thien, Karamunting Assemblyman Alex Wong and Sekong Assemblyman Alias Sani.
