‘WARRIORS IN PURPLE’ WALK

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT ‘WARRIORS IN PURPLE’ WALK

4 NOVEMBER 2018
TAMAN BELIA PULAU PINANG (YOUTH PARK)

 

YB Soon Lip Chee
Penang State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Youth and Sports

Puan Rashidah binti Jalaludin
Director of the Community Service Department, Penang Island City Council

Mr. Ivan Loh
Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Penang

Ms. Yong Zi Ling
Senior Manager, Operations, Gleneagles Penang

Distinguished guest

Ladies and gentlemen

Good Morning.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the organiser, Gleneagles Penang, together with Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) for inviting me to be part of the cancer awareness run/walk called ‘Warriors in Purple’ this morning.

Today, we celebrate our cancer survivors and I believe you all are not just survivors, but you are warriors! Support comes in many ways and forms. While we can count on our family members and friends to rally strength in our times of need, there is something about the force of numbers through events like this that makes a difference.

You stood at the line of fire, stared at mortality in its face and bit the bullet to soldier on. You did this once, twice, repeatedly until the fight ceased, and you know you can calmly face the light of day again. For that courage and conviction, I applaud you.

More than 1250 participants from various age have joined us at this event today. Congratulations to all of you!

As we all know cancer is a long fight for survival. Statistics show that cancer is the fourth most common cause of mortality in Malaysia. It is worrying that this number is estimated to rise by 2030. Therefore, it is our aim to build a robust community and this includes improving public health, strategising on delivery of healthcare services and promoting health and wellbeing. Today’s Warriors in Purple’ event help us to realise that aim.

I am honoured to be here together with more than 1250 participants from various age to celebrate hope and life with our survivors and their families. It is a powerful statement that we are making – that the fight with cancer can be won and that all those still fighting cancer can win.

So, continue being an inspiration to yourself and to the people around you. Continue to show support towards the importance of looking after one’s wellbeing. And continue to be a warrior in more ways than one.

I’m truly honoured to be a part of this campaign and, on that note, I hereby officiate the ‘WARRIORS IN PURPLE’ today.

Thank you.