KUALA LUMPUR: The cultural heritage of the Loke Yew family can be part of the main attraction for Malaysia in line with the Government’s target to attract more than four million tourists from China this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“Loke Yew has contributed a lot to the development of Kuala Lumpur together with other races and leaders.

“I think foreign tourists can come here to see the beauty of the multi-racial society that helped build our city to what it is today,” he said in his speech at the Loke Association of Malaysia’s 46th anniversary dinner on Sunday.

Loke Yew was one of Malaya’s greatest entrepreneurs who played an enormous role in shaping the society and economy from the 1870s.

He became one of the richest men in Malaya, being involved in tin mining, rubber estates and banking. He also valued education and health.

Loke Yew died of malaria at 72 in 1917.

Dr Wee said it was important to showcase the contribution of the Chinese community, including the Loke family, in nation-building.

“Thanks to Loke Yew’s contributions, we even named a street after him,” he added.

He also noted that the association was talking to the Federal Territories Ministry to come up with a plan to promote the cultural heritage of the family.

“They can have a space to share the success story of the family and become a tourist attraction.

“Tourists from China not only want to see our tall buildings, they are also interested in our cultural heritage,” he said.

“With the existence of these associations and help from the Government, it will further boost tourism in the country,” he added.

At the event, Dr Wee handed a donation of RM10,000 to the association.

-The Star-