RANAU: Senior citizens are a source of valuable experience, wisdom and life values and should be given the best care, said Deputy Chief Minister II cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
“They have gone through various challenges and changes, and are the pillars of strength of families and society.
“Therefore, appreciation is very appropriate as a sign of gratitude for all their services and sacrifices,” he said during the Senior Citizens Day Ceremony and Presentation of Certificates of Academic Excellence, organised by the Ranau Hakka Association, at the association’s hall, here, on Sunday.
Masidi, who was represented by Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman, also congratulated the students who received the academic excellence award at the event.
“The success achieved is the result of hard work and support from parents, teachers and the surrounding community. I hope the students will continue to maintain enthusiasm for seeking knowledge and strive to achieve greater success.
“I believe that with strong cooperation and unity among the community, we can produce a generation that is knowledgeable, moral and capable of contributing to the development of Sabah and the country,” he said.
Rusdin also announced a RM5,000 aid to the association and pledged to assist the association in building an elevator for its building to make it easier for senior citizens to go to the upper floors of the four-story building.
Organising Chairman Datuk Dr Jimmy Tham Yuk Leong, who is also the President of the Ranau Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the President of the association, expressed gratitude to Rusdin and all those who attended the programme.
“As an association based on the cultural values of the Hakka community, we always emphasise the importance of education and respect for the elderly. This year, a total of 12 children of association members received the Academic Excellence Award in recognition of their efforts and achievements.
“We hope this award will be an encouragement for them to strive to achieve greater success,” he said.
A total of 52 senior citizens were celebrated at the Senior Citizens Honouring Ceremony.
