KUCHING: Orphans have been told to be determined and to believe in themselves for a bright future.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg gave this advice to the orphans from the Sarawak Orphanage Welfare Board (Peryatim) yesterday.
He said children from the association must believe in themselves so as to prevail over odds and the challenges of growing up without parents.
“Firstly, in Islam, we must conceive that the deaths of our parents are taqdir (destiny), upon Allah’s submission.
“Secondly, we need to double up our efforts in our work and overcome challenges to attain happiness.
“And thirdly, after having done good deeds in our daily life, such accomplishment will provide solace to our minds,” the chief minister said at the breaking of fast event with 118 orphans under Peryatim Sarawak care at Laila Taib Orphanage Complex at Jalan Sultan Tengah here.
Highlighting some success stories of orphans raised there, Abang Johari commended Peryatim for its ability to turn orphans into quality human capital.
“There are orphans who were raised in Peryatim and are now working as engineers and lawyers.
“There is even one who is working overseas and doing so well, and several more working in Holland and Singapore.
“Children, when empowered, can contribute in the most inspiring and impactful ways to the communities through their involvement,” he said.
In remembering Laila Taib Welfare Complex founder, the late Datuk Amar Laila Taib, and pioneer of the establishment of Peryatim branch at other districts of Sarawak, the late Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Abang Johari said his wife was gearing up initiatives to continue the legacy.
At the function, the chief minister’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who is also the chairman of Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati) and Petra Jaya Welfare Association, donated a 55-inch smart television to Laila Taib Orphanage Kuching Complex.
Among those witnessing the handover were Sarawak Peryatim chairman Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Husain and State Imam Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
Prior to the fast-breaking, Juma’ani was given a surprise Mother’s Day cake by the children.
