CHEQUE PRESENTATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH FMM-OCBC CHARITY EVENT 2020

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

AT CHEQUE PRESENTATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH

FMM-OCBC CHARITY EVENT 2020

11 November 2020

Bilik Mutiara, KOMTAR

Dato’ Dr Ooi Eng Hock

Chairman of FMM Penang Branch

Dato’ Jimmy Ong

Vice-Chairman of FMM Penang Branch

Mr. Chea Hak Tee

Penang Branch Senior Manager of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad

Members of the press

Ladies & gentlemen

A very good afternoon.

I am sure all of us here are aware that 2020 is the most challenging year many of us have ever faced in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. A virus that is so tiny yet can have such a humongous impact on the social economic order of the world.

Nonetheless, we should always bear in mind that it is the darkest nights that brings the brightest stars. The world is still full of hope, where, we have individuals, groups and organisations who are kind-hearted and willing to extend a helping hand to those who need our compassion and generosity.  

Today’s symbolic cheque presentation is a fitting testament to the presence of those stars amongst us. I am happy to note that despite being in this dark period, FMM Penang and OCBC with the help from some generous donors, managed to raise more than RM900,000 to ease the burden of the less privileged members of our society. I am pleased to note that six (6) welfare associations from mainland have received the cheques of RM20,000 each on 6th November 2020 and 14 more in the Island will receive it today. In addition to that, the Penang Lawan COVID-19, a Penang State Government initiative is honoured to receive a donation of RM100,000.

I wish to thank all the great donors for your generosity and support. Your charitable endeavours are most admirable, especially in the midst of the current situation, where donations are not easy to come by. For this great accomplishment, thank you FMM Penang, OCBC and all the great donors.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

The State Government has been and will always remain vigilant and ready to assist vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic. To date, the Penang State Government, through the Penang People’s Aid Package has channelled RM155.5 million with three key objectives, namely;

1)         To provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable group affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

2)         To empower the working class to get back on their feet and continue their efforts to take care of themselves, their families and continue to strengthen Penang’s economy through productivity.

3)         To ensure business continuity in the state so that the economy would continue to progress after the end of the MCO.

However, I would like to state that despite our numerous efforts, we comprehend the fact that in order for the Penang Lawan COVID-19 campaign to be a success, we would require full support and cooperations from all parties particularly the private sector. The collaborations between public and private sectors certainly is essential and would be significantly instrumental in assisting the state to win this battle.

As such, taking this opportunity, I would like to urge even more individuals, groups and organisations in both the corporate and public sectors to extend their support and collaborate with the State Government for the betterment of our people. It is my fervent hope that many more companies will come forward to carry out similar CSR programmes, as I strongly believe that during this dark times, together, we can shine the brightest! 

Having said that, once again I wish to put on record my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the FMM Penang Branch, its members, OCBC Bank and all the other great donors for a job well done. 

Lastly but not least, I wish to remind everyone to adapt to the new normal and practise the 4Ps at all times to keep yourselves and everyone around you safe. May God bless all of us.

Thank you.