KUALA LUMPUR: Lending a helping hand to the needy can lead to a stronger sense of unity among Malaysians, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
The prime minister said unity, which is a value that is inculcated in sports as well, was the greatest catalyst in ensuring that the various races in Malaysia would bond with each other.
“I like seeing a Malaysia that is not only prosperous, harmonious, and united, but also one where there is happiness on the faces of people from various backgrounds. We can create millions of smiles through assisting each other without acknowledging (the differences in) our skin colours, religions and beliefs.
“Helping the underprivileged is also a sign of unity and can even bring about multiple rewards if one does not hope for anything in return,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for Rumah Perlindungan Warga Emas Ti-Ratana.
Present were Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Also present were Mayor Datuk Seri Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz, human rights activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia and Ti-Ratana Welfare Society patron Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana.
The development of the five-storey shelter is estimated to cost about RM12 million. Located in Desa Petaling, it can accommodate up to 180 senior citizens.
Contributions from numerous individuals since the launch of the campaign by Najib in 2012 has seen RM4 million collected to date to help build the safe house which will take up to 1,533 sq m.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said the government contributed RM1 million to help build the shelter.
“I hope the public will come forward to donate to this project as it is one that will be of much benefit.”