Issues affecting the Chinese community in Sarawak have always been brought to the attention of the state government, minister of environment and public health Wong Soon Koh said.

NONE "They are always brought to the government's attention and not swept under the carpet as conveniently alleged by certain quarters," he added at a United Chinese Association Chinese New Year gathering in Sibu last night.

The head of state Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng the Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud and their wives were the guests of honour.

Wong ( right ) said that people making such allegations were only trying to discredit the leaders, including Taib.

"This rhetoric of hate and distrust is being perpetuated in the Chinese community.

"Fortunately, I believe, the majority of the people have the political maturity and the good sense of discerning what is true and false," Wong said.

He believed that the state government would in time resolve outstanding issues.

Wong said that Taib had agreed to hold a dialogue session with the town Chinese community at a date to be fixed.

He noted that the chief minister had such sessions with the Kuching Chinese community.

- Bernama