KUCHING: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has assured that assistance will be given to all, irrespective of their political leanings.
As leaders, we never bother what party you support, we will still help you,” she said at the presentation of assistance here on Saturday in conjunction with upcoming Deepavali celebration.
In this context, she said it is important for associations to play their role by applying for aid from ministers as well as elected representatives.
“We want to thank the Indian Association of Kuching (IAK) for making the effort and this is what we want to practice in Malaysia as we cannot deny the fact that many still need assistance especially during hard times,” she added.
The IAK distributed basic groceries and cash assistance to 62 recipients in conjunction with the association’s Deepavali Charity Programme this year.
Similarly the Ministry also contributed assistance to ease the burden of the less fortunate during the upcoming celebration.
Nancy said that through such a meaningful charity programme, it hoped to uplift their spirit.
“Not only that, we also hope with this programme it could strengthen relationships between the communities in Sarawak.
“In the coming year, during this festival of lights, we want more families to be celebrated and more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to come forward to help and provide assistance,” she said.
IAK president Anthony Ramanair said the yearly charity activity organised by IAK is a small contribution in the form of rice, sugar and some cash assistance.
“This will help the less fortunate members to celebrate Deepavali in a more meaningful way.
“The annual festival of Deepavali which falls on Nov 12 is celebrated by Hindus throughout the world,” he said, thanking all those who contributed to the charity programme.
