KUALA TERENGGANU: It was just reward for one of Terengganu’s senior citizens, Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh at the ripe old age of 86.
Dr Kuljit, the former personal physician for the late Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah and his son the late Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, was given a lifetime special award by the Terengganu Indian Association (TIA).
Association president Datuk Harry Isaacs presented Dr Kuljit with a plaque for his contributions to the state, society and community during the association’s 89th anniversary dinner at the Grand Continental Hotel in Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin, recently.
“Dr Kuljit was a live wire in the community and society by helping needy patients while in government service, and thereafter, at his private practice.
“He was very helpful one way or another, and contributed immensely to the association to function effectively,” said Isaacs.
Isaacs added that Dr Kuljit had a big heart for the less fortunate and lower-income group, regularly contributing generously towards the education and welfare of children and women in the community.
“Dr Kuljit was instrumental in the establishment of the education fund four years ago to enable poor but bright students to further their studies.
“Many have gone on to have a successful careers thanks to people like Dr Kuljit,” said Isaacs.
Through his 30-year career with the Health Ministry until his retirement in 1983, Dr Kuljit has tended to many a VIP, royalty, civil servant and the man-in-the-street.
“I take personal satisfaction in helping those in need. That is why we are here in the first place,” said Dr Kuljit, who runs the Medical Specialist Centre in Jalan Sultan Mahmud.
In 1963, Dr Kuljit became a member of the TIA that was founded by Harry’s father Datuk P.C. Isaacs who served as president in 1927 and also established the English Grammar School.
Harry’s brother is Datuk Stanley Isaacs, the retired former head of prosecution at the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
During the anniversary dinner, Angelique Pakiam emerged tops at the catwalk competition in her traditional saree.
The evening also raised RM6,400 from donors for the association’s education fund.