MRC an NGO, not part of govt, clarifies Sibu District chairman
SIBU: There is a misconception about the Malaysian Red Crescent ( MRC) among some of the people here, who think that the movement is part of the government because of its emblem – the ‘crescent’.
In this regard, MRC Sibu District chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee clarifies that the MRC is a part of the world’s largest voluntary and humanitarian service organisation – the International Red Cross.
“The MRC is an NGO (nongovernmental organisation) – so, we receive no grant from our government. “That is why we need funds to run our activities throughout the year, to provide humanitarian services, to train our volunteers and also to cover management expenses,” he said at the annual MRC Sibu District Parade 2018’ at Stadium Tun Zaidi her yesterday, where Sibu Rural District Council ( SRDC) deputy chairman Robert Lau was present as the guest- of-honour.
Nevertheless, Chua also expressed his appreciation to the local townsfolk for their ongoing support and generosity to the MRC here.
“The people of Sibu have always being very kind and generous towards any charity work conducted by us.
“On behalf of MRC Sibu District, I wish to appeal to all our kind and generous well-wishers to support our ‘Run For Health’ fund-raising event, set to kick off this Sept 2,” he added.
Additionally, he also called upon all to be a part of a treeplanting campaign, initiated by MRC Sarawak chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
“It has become one of the core activities for the MRC here. It involves families, schools, communities and those in the private sector, all with the objective of ‘wrapping’ Sibu in a canopy of greenery and beautiful environment to live and work in.
“Trees are not only beautiful, but they are also very important for the health of our Earth.”
On leadership, Chua quoted this saying — ‘a good leader inspires others with confidence in him, while a great leader inspires others with confidence in themselves’.
“Today,I’mcallingmycommittee members and all the ( MRC) Youth and Link officers to really step it up and strive to motivate other members to believe in themselves completely, as well as to believe in the power of courage, commitment and action. This is vital because we need to develop this type of quality and visionary leadership – one needed by MRC Sibu District to put our vision into concrete action,” he added.
Chua acknowledged that this would not be an easy task as it requires commitment, enthusiasm, sacrifice and dedication.
“But such leadership is crucial if we’re going to gain optimum success in making our services a greater vehicle for humanitarian involvement, and also to have a better MRC Sibu District.”