KUDAT: Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin, the only Chinese state assemblyman in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, has urged the Chinese community to remain calm and not be disheartened.

“You still have me in the state government’’ said Chong, 47,  who vowed to serve the Sabah Chinese community.

“I will continue to assist the Chinese community. You are welcome to contact me for issues affecting the Chinese community,’’ he said.

 Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor’s governance treats all ethnic groups equally and does not sideline the Chinese community, Chong said, adding that Sabah state government recognises Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) held by Chinese independent school students and these students are also eligible to apply for scholarships.

In addition, allocations for non-Muslim groups and Chinese schools in Sabah have been increasing year by year.

Chong said he hopes that the Chinese community in the state will support the new Sabah government, so that everyone can work together to develop Sabah and benefit its people.

Chong, the former Tanjong Kapor assemblyman, defended his seat in this state election under the GRS, winning a 13-cornered fight with 6,171 votes and a majority of 359.

His main opponent was Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda, who contested as an independent  and garnered 5,812 votes.

 Coming in third was Parti Warisan ’s Oh Soon Hui, who received 4,737 votes.

Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) honorary president Tan Sri T. C. Goh said the current political landscape in Sabah showed that Chinese are in the opposition ( under Parti Warisan).

He urged Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji to consider appointing a Chinese assemblyman as the exco to continue serving the Chinese community.

Goh, who is also the chairman of Sabah Chinese Assembly Hall, said the organisation would continue to play a bridging role between the Chinese community and the state government.