Kasih Malaysia set to carry out charitable work
PUTRAJAYA: The wives of Pakatan Harapan ministers and deputy ministers have officially formed Kasih Malaysia to carry out welfare and charitable work.
Helmed by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of the Prime Minister, the new association has also turned to Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz as a guiding light.
“When Dr Zeti became the seventh Bank Negara governor in 2000, she was also the first woman in Asia to head a country’s central bank,” said Dr Siti Hasmah in her opening speech at the launch of Kasih Malaysia at Seri Perdana here.
“Later, she was also recognised as one of the world’s best chief of central banks.
“We could not find a better person to help launch our new association and also our first annual meeting.”
She also said they were proud and fortunate to have Dr Zeti to inspire them.
“She is a very distinguished personality and hopefully, we can get lots of wisdom and advice from her,” said Dr Siti Hasmah.
“Perhaps we can also learn how to manage our finances.”
In response, Dr Zeti pointed out that Dr Siti Hasmah was an inspiration and a “source of encouragement”.
“When I was appointed Bank Negara governor, I received plenty of congratulatory letters.
“But the one I loved most was from Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. She wrote me a handwritten letter. It was in two pages. I still keep it to this day,” said Dr Zeti, who is now group chairman of Permodalan Nasional Bhd.
Dr Zeti expressed her belief that Kasih Malaysia members would be able to work together as a formidable team to carry out the good work needed.
“As the main supporter of your husbands’ success, members of Kasih Malaysia must prove that you can help achieve the hope of New Malaysia,” she added.
Among the top leadership in the organisation are deputy president Datin Seri Shamsidar Taharin, who is wife of Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, and secretary Dr Hamidah Mat, who is wife of Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s wife Betty Chew is the treasurer.