Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud
Ketua Menteri Sarawak (Chief Minister of Sarawak. Year 1988)
“Encik Chew’s paintings for which the subjects chosen by him are drawn from our own people and our own environment, especially from the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities in rural Sarawak are of very high standard and values. He has put in it a great deal of cultural impetus mainly through his comprehension of the concerned culture. It is appreciately noted that Encik Chew has taken up the challenge to practise and preserve our State’s (Sarawak’s) rich and colourful culture, through painting. He earns his name in integrating our local culture by putting in all communities’ culture in his paintings. With Encik Chew setting a good example, I trust that many will follow suit to take up challenge in preserving and promoting our rich culture in whatever forms.”
Source: “Chew Fang Chin Art Exhibition”. 1988. Published by Sarawak Taiwan Graduates’ Association, Sarawak, Malaysia.
“周方正以本州人⺠,特别是伊班族,比达友族及内陆⺠族作为作画的题材,具有非常高的水准及价值。 我很欣慰地看到周方正勇于接受这样的挑战,通过彩笔来保存本州丰富且富有色彩的文化,他成功地把各族⺠族及文化融入作品中,已经赢得美誉。
周方正已树立良好的先例,我深信今后将有更多的画家,不论是以何种方式,将会乐于接受同样的挑战,来保存及提升我们丰富的文化。
--- 本州首席部⻓拿督巴丁宜丹斯里哈志阿都泰益玛目 (一九八八年周方正个人全砂五大市镇巡回画展纪念册献词)。“
Source: ⻢来西亚《诗华周刊》1993年2月28日。 “台专栏作家眼中的大⻢国宝 – 画家周方正“