Najib honours nation’s volunteers

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last night presented the Volunteer Malaysia Awards to Malaysians who have volunteered and contributed towards the betterment of the community.

Organised by 1Malaysia For Youth (iM4U), the event was held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa here.

“If you are willing to dedicate yourself to giving back to society, you are building strength. And that strength is something that the government must not only encourage, but also recognise,” Najib told the award winners in his speech.

He said the awards would give the winners an edge in their work or school applications.

“I know you don’t want material recognition. We will build an ecosystem that appreciates and recognises you as Malaysian heroes.”

Najib said a strong nation was defined by not only its skyscrapers and transport system, but also by the strength of its people’s character.

Thirteen awards were given out last night, including the Best Volunteer Initiative, Lifetime Achievement, ‘Superelawan’ of the Year, Best Social Media Campaign for a Volunteer Initiative and Special Jury Award.

Among the winners were Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, Yayasan Nanyang Press, Association of the Learning Disabled and Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia. Singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir bagged the Best Volunteer Initiative (Personality Award). The Lifetime Achievement Award was won by safety activist Balasubramaniam Krishnan, while the Superelawan Award was won by Project Transforming Rural Youth.

Present were the prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, iM4U chief executive officer Rudy Malik and iM4U Board of Trustrees member Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim.