Association for wives of PH ministers, deputies launched
PUTRAJAYA: Kasih Malaysia, an association for the wives of Pakatan Harapan ministers and deputy ministers, was officially launched yesterday.
Kasih Malaysia stands for “Kebajikan Amal Silaturahim Isteri-Isteri Harapan Malaysia”.
Its president, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said Kasih Malaysia was the first association that involved the wives of the new government’s ministers and deputy ministers.
“Pakatan Harapan was previously an opposition coalition, with members from various parties.
“Now that we have formed the government, the wives of ministers from the various parties are housed under Kasih Malaysia. This is very historic for us,” she said.
Earlier, Permodalan Nasional Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz launched the association.
Kasih Malaysia also sat for its annual general meeting yesterday.
The association’s deputy president is Datin Seri Shamsidar Taharin, wife of Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
Dr Hamidah Mat, wife of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, is the association’s secretary.
Dr Siti Hasmah said the association, which was registered by the Registry of Societies recently, aimed to forge closer ties between its members.
“Apart from that, it aims to gather the efforts of members for the welfare of the people regardless of race and religion.
“The association will carry out programmes to increase the knowledge and skills of members in any field.”
Dr Siti Hasmah said she would encourage members to join programmes and courses offered by the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan).
“Unlike Bakti, we are new and starting from the ground up. Joining courses from Intan will help us have the right knowledge and skills, especially in communication.”
Bakti, or the Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, was formed under the previous government and was headed by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Dr Siti Hasmah said Kasih Malaysia would play a role in strengthening people’s wellbeing.