'GODDESS OF THE SEA' STILL IN ENIGMA

SCATTERED….Mazu statue component scattered on the ground, Orong Sahap (3rd from right) and Alex Wong (2nd from left) with Hiew.

By: DAP MEDIA

THE issue on the stoppage of the erection of the famous ‘Mazu’ statue in Kudat was again brought up by the Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Hiew King Cheu in the April Parliament sitting.

He asked the Minister of Tourism on whether the Mazu statue can be erected for the purpose of tourist attraction in Kudat and not for the sole purpose of worshipping as the ‘Goddess of the Sea’.

The KK MP reasoned out that the statue is actually a magnificent art piece and it is a beautiful piece of stone sculpture. If that is the case why the sculpture be allowed to be erected?

The reply came from the Ministry saying that Religious Tourism is of very significant importance due to the uniqueness of the various races and religions in Malaysia. The proposal to erect the Mazu statue as a tourism product in Sabah is entirely the responsibility of the State government.

The Ministry of Tourism will work closely with any tourism body under the state government for the promotion of the various products to attract and encourage more tourism advancement in the country.

Hiew felt it is a shame to allow such a beautiful piece of art sculpture left on the ground in scattered pieces and not being given the chance to be erected after so many years.

This is entirely an ill situation caused by the difference in opinion and infighting between some quarters, that caused the stoppage of a nice piece of statue be erected. It is known by all the fight is between the Chief Minister Musa Aman and the Ex-Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat who resigned all his government posts to protest against the decision. He also failed the legal suit against the authorities at a later stage.

STATUE…. The Sabah DAP Kudat team inspecting the Mazu statue head part with Hiew, Orong Sahap and Alex Wong on the right.

The Sabah DAP Kudat team members visited the site again to view the sorry stage of the Mazu statue recently. The DAP Muslim members also expressed their dismay on why such a beautiful stone sculpture be left in pieces and not being erected to stand up for the sack of tourism attraction.

Orong Sahap and Alex Wong said they would like to see a huge Mazu statue be erected in the beautiful seafront of Kudat to attract many tourists to visit Kudat. This is actually what the Kudat town will be benefiting from and the Kudat people will feel proud of. We must set aside the religious differences and personnel fight, and should work together towards a better future for the Kudat people.

Hiew said if the BN government refused to do so, then the Kudat people should vote for Pakatan Rakyat into power to form the new Sabah Government.