(5th left) Datuk Abidin Madingkir together with the other guests and dignitaries gathered on stage for the anniversary cake cutting.
KOTA KINABALU: The Indian community in Sabah has contributed greatly to the state and is an important part of society here, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said in colonial times, the Indians arrived as police, soldiers and civil servants and after the formation of the federation of Malaysia, many came to the state as teachers, doctors, engineers, traders and businessmen.
“Many of us fondly recall being taught by Indian teachers in school, being treated by Indian doctors in hospitals and so on, up to this day,” he said in his speech at the Sabah Indian Association 75th anniversary celebration on Sunday (Dec 4) night.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, delivered the speech at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
In expressing his gratitude to be invited as the guest of honour and be part of the celebration, he said Indians had made great contributions to early infrastructural, healthcare and educational development in Sabah, among many other areas.
“They continue to do so in various aspects of the economy and nation-building. These contributions will never be forgotten and Sabah is so much the better for their presence,” he said.
In appreciation, he added, the Sabah government would continue to support the community in any way possible.
Earlier, event organising chairman Datuk Dr G. Mohan Gopal urged the community to continue standing together, supporting one another and providing services to society and the needy.
“As always, we are committed to provide the best service possible to society and the state with our hospitality," he said.
Also at the event was Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy.
In his speech, Reddy said he was impressed by the impact of Indian teachers in the local education system, and was certain they were proud of their students' successes in varied professions.
