‘Be thankful to senior citizens for nation building’
Senior citizens are the icons of modern development. Be they businessmen, retired civil servants, politicians or community leaders – they sacrificed for their families and country and that’s what makes Malaysia what it is today. — Senator Datuk Lihan Jok
MIRI: The country’s senior citizens have to be credited for their roles in making Malaysia what it is today – a nation respected for its united and progressive multiracial society.
“Senior citizens are the icons of modern development. Be they businessmen, retired civil servants, politicians or community leaders – they sacrificed for their families and country and that’s what makes Malaysia what it is today.
“The youth should be thankful to them,” Senator Datuk Lihan Jok said yesterday when officiating at the inaugural Gawai celebration organised by the Miri senior citizens service centre (PPWE).
On the celebration, he suggested that PPWE celebrate all other major celebrations as a platform to enhance unity among the country’s diverse community.
“Diversity has been strengthening Malaysians and this centre should celebrate all other major celebrations.
“The celebration of each community must be respected as a basis of our unity and strength of our nation,” he stressed.
Over 100 guests attended the event, including PPWE Miri chairman Yee Chew Seng, Senior Citizen Activities Centre (PAWE) chairman Pemanca Wilson Siang Lim, and organising chairman Kalang Jau.
Yee said the celebration was one of their activities to enhance greater appreciation of various cultures and traditions besides encouraging networking among members.
“Throughout the year, we organised activities for members and the local community. On Monday to Friday, our centre is open from 8am to 4.30pm for daily social and health-centric activities such as dancing to singing.
“We also hold our annual dinner and organise educational trips locally and overseas. From July 18 to 26 several members will tour Peninsular Malaysia from Penang to Johor and we also have a fellowship with our counterparts in Johor and Taiping,” Yee told thesundaypost.
Lihan, Yee and other exco members were among those taking part in the various activities held during the celebration, including a ‘pocopoco’ dance and karaoke session while father and son pair Disun Jok and Gerard Laing played the sape for the Orang Ulu dance and ‘ngajat’ performance.