ALL SMILES:
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) commission member Datuk Wee Hong Seng (front, fifth left) leads others in posing for the camera at the starting line of Cat Run 3.0 in Kuching. Proceeds from the fundraising run, which was flagged off at MBKS building yesterday, would be channelled to local welfare organisation Hope Place Kuching, founded by Kelvin Wan (front, third left). Also seen in the photo are Sarawak United People’s Party Youth secretary Milton Foo (front, sixth left) and Young Movement Malaysia Sarawak Chapter chairman Shim Poh Szu (front, fourth left).
KUCHING: The ‘Cat Run 3.0’, which was flagged off at Kuching City South Council ( MBKS) building here yesterday, gathered more than 1,000 participants.
Run by the Young Movement Malaysia ( YMM) Padungan, the fund-raising event was divided into three categories – the 10km, 5km and 3km routes.
Proceeds from the run would be channelled local nongovernmental organisation ( NGO) Hope Place Kuching for it to continue running its charitable activities, including providing basic essentials to the lessfortunate and needy members of the local community.
Yesterday the organiser passed a collection of RM5,000 to Hope Place Kuching, which was represented by its founder Kelvin Wan.
In his remarks Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) commission member Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who was among the key sponsors of the event, praised the organiser for holding the run.
“It cannot be denied that Sarawak is rich in natural resources. With 26 ethnic groups, Sarawak is a culturally- diverse state where there are no conflicts among the races.
“As the capital of Sarawak, Kuching inherits a multi- diverse cultural background and the people of Kuching have played an important role in making Kuching what it is today.
“Due to the city’s uniqueness, it is understandable that Kuching has been seen as a role model city,” he said.
However, Wee also warned about the rise of political fights and populism that threatened the moderate and open-minded political culture established by the ‘ forefathers of Malaysia’. “This threatens Malaysia’s unique and diverse cultural background and also the relationship between races.”
Having said this, Wee also emphasised the importance for Kuchingites to preserve the beauty and harmony of the city, and at the same time, strive to promote the local dishes and tourism attractions to the world.
“We should always be ready to promote tourism in Sarawak and fight for more direct flights linking with other cities. The convenience of social media should be properly utilised to promote the beauty of Sarawak to the world.”
Meanwhile in his remarks, Wan said he was touched by the initiative to hold Cat Run 3.0.
“I would like to thank organiser ( YMM Padungan) for organising this charity run for Hope Place.
“Now we have more than 180 needy families under our care. We really need more help from the public. Each month, we need RM30,000 worth of food items to help others (its aid recipients).”
Wan also thanked all runners and event sponsors, adding that without them, Hope Place Kuching would not be able to raise RM5,000.
“This is third year that YMM Padungan hosts the Cat Run. In the first edition, the organiser was raising funds for other NGOs, but the second year and today’s event – they’re for Hope Place Kuching.”
Wan also expressed his gratitude to Wee, who donated RM3,000 for the cause, as well as to other sponsors including companies that distributed Milo and other Nestlé products.
Wee and Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) Youth secretary Milton Foo performed the flag- off.
As the capital of Sarawak, Kuching inherits a multi-diverse cultural background and the people of Kuching have played an important role in making Kuching what it is today. Due to the city’s uniqueness, it is understandable that Kuching has been seen as a role model city. Datuk Wee Hong Seng, DBKU commission member