SIBU: In terms of population, Sibu has the highest number of Lions chapters and members in the world.
Stating this, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek said the core value of Lions International which is ‘We serve’ means that a lot of people here are ready to be volunteers to help or serve people in society which is very good.
“It should be encouraged so as to create a more harmonious and peaceful community. I should thank the Lions members for sacrificing their time and financially to serve the community which is very noble action,” he said in his remarks at the ‘Christmas Sharing Love’ event held at Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) here on Friday evening.
The charity event jointly organised by District 308-A2 Region 2 and Region 3 Lions Clubs saw a total of 47 children, aged between four and 18, each presented with Christmas gifts and were feted to a dinner reception.
Chieng added that Sarawak is blessed with a harmonious society as it does not have any issue for the multi-racial and multi-religious state.
According to him as stated by Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts earlier at a SARBERKAS event, he (Abdul Karim) mentioned that he is the building committee’s chairman for temples and churches and, as such, needs to find building funds for these places of worship.
“As a Malay Muslim, it is totally unacceptable in Semenanjung but in Sarawak, it doesn’t matter because he is the YB (assemblyman) in his constituency. We have the responsibility to take care of every race in our constituency.
“For us, it is a very normal case but for Semenanjung, basically it is totally unacceptable I would say so. So how we can keep this harmony and peaceful community that would be based on every single one of us here.
“That we need to pass this philosophy to the younger generation so that we also cherish this harmonious community which is very important that we shouldn’t divide into, we are Chinese, we are Malay, we are Melanau, we are Iban but in fact we are all ‘Anak Sarawak’,” Chieng stressed.
He later announced a grant amounting to RM3,000 for District 308-A2 Region 2 and Region 3 Lions Clubs to run their activities.
In her speech, the event’s special guest, immediate past district governor Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua pointed out that a heart of serving the community with love and kindness makes the world a better place.
She said acts of love and kindness can uplift spirit in so many ways, as does being compassionate, generous, and considerate.
“Being kind is all about our genuine intentions to help everyone around us feel safe, comfortable, and understood,” she said, adding every year, millions of people and families around the world celebrate the Christmas holidays by gathering, giving gifts and enjoying their time together.
But, she said Christmas can also be a tough time for many people, including those who are homeless, recently bereaved, lonely or struggling to make ends meet.
“We are in that special season once again, a season of joy, of peace, of great sharing. It is the time to celebrate love, sharing, giving and forgiving. Let us not forget those less fortunate, particularly those homeless, hungry, lonely and special people.
“Bringing joy to someone in need during this Christmas holiday season is within the reach of most people. Every one of us can show kindness with a good deed or a smile. Let us bring love, kindness, happiness and joy to them. Let us give a special gift of warmth, hope, joy and happiness. Let us give a gift that makes a difference.
“It is indeed a precious opportunity to bring everyone in Methodist Children Home together for a joyful time. We gather together to share the magic of Christmas with this group of young children by putting a smile on their faces,” Loh enthused.
Among those present were MCH’s superintendent Lau Sie Tung, past district governor Datuk Wong Yieng and organising chairman Datuk Jimmy Tie.
