KUCHING: Members of the St John Ambulance Sarawak (SJAS) have been urged to respect one another when on- or off-duty regardless of religious or racial backgrounds.
SJAS founder, chairman and commander Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon said this when officiating at the parade celebrating the restoration and the 48th anniversary of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) here yesterday at Jubilee Ground.
“We respect everyone’s religion in this organisation. We do not hate anyone just because of their religion.
“As our motto is ‘For the Service of Mankind’, we are here to serve those in need despite their religious backgrounds,” he expressed.
Ang also said that the readiness of the members to give up some of their time and energy have provided the organisation with a regular inflow of cadets and adults.
He added that this has helped the organisation to keep up with the rapid advances in technology.
“As we look forward to a new year planning new programmmes, I think it pays for us to be reminded that certain fundamentals governing international organisations such as St John Ambulance, of which Sarawak is a partner in service, are constant and unchanging.
“All organisations and activities operate within a set system of rules and regulations and such systems exist for very good reasons.
“Of course, the rules and procedures must be fair and just to all parties bearing in mind that we are all volunteers in NGOs and charities,” he said.
Ang also stressed that the organisation is neither paid nor do they make a living from NGOs and associated charities.
“We are an organisation that not only gives future leaders experience in service, leadership and management, but also impart high standard of ethics in all areas.
“These standards will ensure that you will be guided by ethical and professional considerations as well as in fairness, equity, transparency and compassion,” he said.
Ang also expressed confidence that the organisation would continue to uphold the concept of ideal charity and integrity.
The parade was participated by 15 contingents of the organisation comprising 11 schools consisting of a total of 385 members.
Also present were St John Ambulance Sarawak deputy commander Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, Borneo High Court Judge cum Brigadier General Datuk Lee Heng Cheong and Kuching Roman Catholic Archdiocese Archbishop Simon Poh.
