Winners are shining examples for all Malaysians, says Fu

PETALING JAYA: The kindness and compassion of the Star Golden Hearts Awards winners are shining examples for all Malaysians, says Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.

He said the winners’ efforts encompass the spirit of selflessness and moderation.

“In a multiracial society like ours, their goodwill fosters interracial understanding and promotes unity.

“Star Media Group, as the people’s media, holds strongly to the belief that diversity and moderation are the most important, most valuable heritage of the nation.

“Not only shall we treasure it, protect it and embrace it to develop our country, we must make it the most important component of our value system, especially for the younger generation,” he said.

Fu, who is also chairman of the Star Foundation, added that the awards are held to publicly affirm and recognise the works of unsung heroes.

“The Award, we hope, will help spread and promote their good deeds to inject much needed positive energy and to strengthen unity among Malaysians.”

He added that Malaysians by and large are peace-loving, tolerant, kind-hearted, caring and generous.

Fu said this was evident during local emergencies and disasters when all Malaysians irrespective of race rallied to offer assistance and relief.

This included the current flood situation in Penang and Kedah, he said.

Eco World Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who led the panel of judges for the award, said they received over 100 nominations this year, with more candidates emerging from Sabah and Sarawak.

Most were from those who benefited from the nominees’ kind gestures.

“On behalf of the judging panel, I would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients who have proven that they have put aside personal considerations to help strangers from different ethnic backgrounds without expecting anything in return,” he said.

Commending the winners, he said their spirit and sacrifices are “very noble, commendable and very much in line with our desire to build a caring society”.

“As we move into the third year of our Star Golden Hearts award, let me say here that we remain steadfast and we remain committed to the ideals of bringing all Malaysians together through acts of heroism, acts of selflessness and extraordinary voluntary service,” he said.