LAUNCHING OF THE CHRISTMAS REUNION LUNCH BY ROSE CHARITIES

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

FOR THE CHRISTMAS REUNION LUNCH BY ROSE CHARITIES

18 DECEMBER 2020

G HOTEL

 

Dato’ Lawrence Cheah Seong Paik

President of ROSE Charities Association

Distinguished guests

 

Member of the media

 

Ladies and gentlemen

Firstly, my wife and I are deeply honoured to be invited by Rose Charities Malaysia for your Christmas Réunion lunch.

Celebrating Christmas is all about spreading the spirit of Goodwill, Love, Hope and Togetherness with our family and loved ones.

This is made even more crucial because the year 2020 has been really difficult and challenging for everyone since the unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak in the country. Many lives and livelihood were affected, and the economy seems bleak as we prepare ourselves for 2021.

But no matter what happens and how tough it gets, the Penang State Government is doing everything possible within our scope to assist and help the rakyat.

We are indeed thankful to Rose Charities Malaysia which provided much help to the state government in providing essential foodstuffs and daily items to the B40 group affected by the pandemic.

I was told that you have just completed sending Christmas goodies and foodies to underprivileged children from 7 welfare homes and orphanages. I am sure this simple yet meaning gesture of yours must have brighten up the hearts of the children and brought them much joy during these trying times.

The State Government's Penang2030 Vision with a desire of transforming the State into “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation” too share the same ideals of brightening up the hearts of Penangites by assuring that everyone has a well-deserved place in this beloved state.

As your Chief Minister, I feel and believe that this Vision will transform the State into a vibrant high income and resilient state where each deserving Penangite will have his or her fair share in Penang’s success story of the future. No one – the old or young, the well-heeled or those with modest means – will be left behind in our pursuit to rewrite a new chapter of Penang’s future.

I also understand that your PENANG Seniors Digital Resource Centre is working closely with the state government on its digital training programmes for members of the public. The State Government will definitely support in making your Resource Centre as a destination hub for senior residents staying in Penang.

I take this Christmas occasion to record the Penang state government’s sincere appreciation to Rose Charities Malaysia for the close ties as shown from the support and cooperation given to the state in carrying numerous activities and community-based social services and projects to benefit and to serve the less fortunate in our society.

We pray that this COVID-19 pandemic will end soon so that our lives and livelihood can return to normalcy.

On behalf of the State Government, I take this opportunity to wish everyone here Merry Christmas and a blessed & prosperous Happy New Year 2021.

Thank you.