MCA Penang.com

Datuk Wong Kam Hoong
Deputy Secretary-General, MCA
Chairman of MCA’s Crisis Relief Squad

RM1.9m restoration for hall

2008/02/12

The 85 -year-old Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: The 85-year-old Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur will undergo a RM1.9 million restoration to return it to its former glory.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim (right) being briefed by Datuk Wong Kam Hoong (second from left) about the restoration plans for the Chinese Assembly Hall. Looking on are Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia president Tan Sri Lim Giat Tong (left) and Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall president Datuk Bong Hon Liong (second from right).

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said yesterday the building was a heritage site that had importance for all Malaysians.

He said the building, an important centre for the Chinese community, could also help others to understand them better.

“Culture is one thing that should help people interact with each other.

“The Chinese, Malay and Indians need to interact more with each other, not just during Chinese New Year.”

He added that the ministry would pay for half the cost of restoration works, as provided for under the Heritage Act.

Rais was speaking at a meeting with the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here.

Present were its president Datuk Bong Hon Liong and the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong

The hall is one of 18 buildings listed as national treasures by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage. It was built in 1923.

Among the changes that will be carried out is the removal of the balcony at the front of the building as it is not part of the original structure.

Areas to be restored include the dome, windows, tiles, stage equipment as well as the ornamental decorations on various pillars.

Rais said the ministry had received 740 applications for the restoration of buildings with historical significance.

“After we have looked into the interests of the Tiong Hua people, we will look at the Indian as well as the Malay heritage sites soon,” he said. - NST

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Message of Appreciation

It's simply amazing how Malaysians from all walks of life have once again responded so favorably to yet another call for help and this time for a needy family of 3: a 54-year old single father diagnosed with liver cancer, his four-year old son and nine-year old girl, Yeoh Lay Hoon who aspires to be a teacher one day. It's also amazing to note that within this short period, we have exceeded our earlier expectations by raising more than RM 400,000.00 from well-wishers sending from all over Malaysia. So on behalf of the Persatuan Kebajikan Bayan Baru, and all of us here who have been involved with this needy family, I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all of you, the caring Malaysians who make up thos great nation. Syabas, Malaysia Boleh!

May God bless you all for all your generosity and kindness shown towards this family.

"Every stalk of rose leaves a little fragrance on the hand that gives it away."

Thank you very much.

YB Dato Wong Kam Hoong
Deputy Minister, Culture, Arts & Heritage Malaysia
Chairman, Penang MCA State Liaison Commitee
Pengerusi, Persatuan Kebajikan Bayan Baru.

MCA Penang leaders celebrate with YB Dato Wong

Message from Datuk Wong Kam Hoong on his appt. as Deputry Minister, Arts, Culture & Heritage Ministry.

“I wish to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting for having confidence in me,” said new Deputy Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong who described his appointment as “interesting and challenging” by virtue of Malaysia being a multi-racial and cultural society.

He pledged to do his best especially in preserving the rich and diversified Malaysian heritage.

Award an honour for party too, says state MCA chief

PECK ON THE CHEEK: Wong getting a kiss from wife after he was conferred the DMPN in Penang.

PENANG: State MCA chairman Datuk Wong Kam Hoong said it is not only an honour for him to be conferred the Darjah Mulia Pangkuan Negri (DMPN) award but also for the party.

Wong said this when interviewed at the lobby of Dewan Sri Pinang after the conferring of state awards in conjunction with the 66th birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas yesterday. The award carries the title 'Datuk'.

“I am happy to receive this award, not only for myself but for my party as well,'' said Wong, who was accompanied by his wife Betty Lee Sau Leng.