JAKIM: LEE’S SERVICE EARNED HIM AWARD
His commitment, friendly approach should be emulated, says D-G
TAN Sri Lee Lam Thye, in his 45 years of service to the community, has become a respected figure for his contributions to fardu kifayah (communal responsibility), which transcend race and religion.
Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Mohamad Nordin Ibrahim said based on these criteria, the social activist was named as one of the four recipients of the annual national-level Maulidur Rasul award.
Lee, who is Eco World Foundation chairman, received the award in the social activism category at the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Nordin said Lee was the 16th non-Muslim to receive the award since 2000.
“Lee is a social activist who fulfilled all the criteria (as a Maulidur Rasul award recipient).
“Apart from his ideas and commitment to community service, Lee’s friendly approach in helping people should be emulated by everyone,” he told the New Straits
Times.
Lee is the only non-Muslim recipient of the award this year. Other recipients of the nationallevel Maulidur Rasul award were Hospital Mesra Ibadah pioneer Datuk Dr Khalid Ibrahim, academician Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail and humanitarian activist Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid.
Syariah expert Datuk Seri Daud Muhammad was the recipient of the Maulidur Rasul Perdana Award.
“Previously, the award was given to the Orang Asli, Indians and Bumiputeras from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He added that the committee in charge of the awards this year comprised personnel from Jakim’s Research Division.
The previous non-Muslim Maulidur Rasul award recipients were Assistant Commissioner Mit Emong, who was Kelantan Narcotics Investigation Department chief (2000); former Chemistry Department deputy director-general (operations) Chang Hon Fong (2002); and, former Putrajaya Fire and Rescue Academy head Gan Hock Seong (2003).
Other non-Muslim award recipients included former deputy higher education minister Datuk Dr Mary Yap Kain Ching (2007) and author, lecturer and activist Dr Lim Swee Tin (2016).
Nordin said the theme Negara Rahmah Ummah Sejahtera (Blessed Nation, Prosperous Ummah) was chosen for this year’s celebration to remind people that Islam was a blessed and merciful religion, which promoted respect, love, tolerance, forgiveness and compassion.
“Love and compassion are encouraged in Islam and observed in the concept of rahmah (mercy), as highlighted in the Quran.
“By embracing rahmah, we can resolve disputes amicably, which will enable the community to live in harmony. Rahmah is proof of the community’s moral pinnacle and exceptional behaviour.”
Lee said he was overwhelmed for being named the recipient of the award. He described his work as a national service.
“From the first day I started my ‘national service’, I am always guided by humanitarian principles.
“As a Malaysian, I am colour blind in my approach because I am committed to serving the country,” said the former chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, who is continuing his work under the newly established Alliance of Safe Community non-governmental organisation.