Welfare activities a platform to foster unity: PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said welfare activities can create “moments of unity” to strengthen the unity of the people.

He said besides sports, welfare activities aimed at helping the needy should be used as a platform to foster racial unity.

“If sports can be a medium to foster the spirit of unity regardless of skin colour, religion and culture, helping the needy, to me, is also ‘moments of unity’ because we help those who need help and earn rewards. If Muslims, they receive ‘pahala’.

“Like today’s ceremony, all races come together,” he said at the ground-breaking ceremony of the T-Ratana Elderly Care Centre in Desa Petaling, here, yesterday.

Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and his deputy, Datuk Loga Bala Mohan.

Najib also announced an allocation of RM1 million to build the new block of the welfare centre, which was an additional provision to the RM1 million allocated for its construction a few years ago.

He hoped parties with the monetary means would channel donations for the construction of the building.

The total cost of the building’s construction is estimated at RM12 million and, prior to yesterday’s announcement of RM1 million by the prime minister, a total of RM4 million had been collected.

The new building, which is expected to be completed within 13 months, can accommodate 180 senior citizens.

At present, the Ti-Ratana Welfare Association provides shelter for women and children who are less fortunate. – Bernama