SIBU – The Chinese New Year (TBC) visit programme has been highlighted as an effective way for leaders to connect directly with the people, offering insights into daily challenges and ensuring policies reflect real community needs.
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, explained that house-to-house visits provide a relaxed environment where genuine conversations can take place. He noted that such interactions often reveal perspectives that are not easily captured during formal meetings.
“Over the past two days, I began my Chinese New Year visit in Sibu by visiting 10 households to meet relatives, friends and local residents in a friendly atmosphere. The annual visit in conjunction with this festive season is not only intended to deliver speeches but also to reconnect with the community and follow local developments. A brief conversation at home often opens up perspectives and realities that cannot be obtained through official meetings,” he said in a media statement on Saturday.
Tiong, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bintulu and State Assemblyman for Dudong, stressed that understanding grassroots issues is crucial to ensure that government plans and policies deliver tangible benefits.
He added that reconnecting with old friends during festive visits is more than tradition; it is a way to remain close to the community and stay informed about local realities.
“This experience reminded me that every policy and plan needs to be effective at the field level. In this context, visiting old friends in conjunction with Chinese New Year is not just a tradition but helps me stay close to the local community,” he remarked.
Beyond policy discussions, Tiong emphasised the importance of preserving harmony in Sarawak’s diverse society. He said that mutual respect and trust form the foundation of the state’s stability, and festive gatherings such as Chinese New Year serve as reminders of the values that unite Sarawakians.
The TBC visit programme in Sibu reflects a broader tradition across Sarawak, where leaders use festive seasons to engage directly with residents.
These visits not only strengthen relationships but also provide leaders with a clearer understanding of the realities faced by communities, ensuring that development efforts remain inclusive and impactful.
