'A MEMORABLE EVENING WITH ESTEEMED PHILANTHROPISTS’

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR 'A MEMORABLE EVENING WITH ESTEEMED PHILANTHROPISTS’

 

30 October 2023

E&O Hotel

 

Salam Sejahtera, Salam Hormat dan Salam Malaysia Madani,

For this 'Memorable Evening with Esteemed Philanthropists’, organised by the Indian Association Penang, I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Association and the Organising Committee for taking the effort in facilitating the presence of TYT Tun and other distinguished guests for the sole purpose of recognition and the realization of the Association's building project.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to Tuan Yang Terutama Tun, the donors and all who are involved in making this evening a success.

As you are aware, the Indian Association Penang holds an esteemed position as a premier Association for the Indian community in Penang.

Since your humble beginnings in 1924, the Association has evolved and has completed an impressive 99 years and the year 2024 will be your Centenary year. I am sure many memorable activities are currently being planned and will be carried out together with the resumption of the building works.

I know the Association has played an important role to nurture and empower our youth and individuals across the state which is in line with the State Government's strategic initiative to empower our people and to strengthen civic participation. I believe the Association also constantly organises activities encompassing Education, Sports, Health, Culture and Arts as well as Entrepreneurship which are truly admirable.

Tuan Yang Terutama Tun, Ladies & Gentlemen,

The Indian Association Penang is steadfast and committed towards the development project which concerns mainly the Multi-Purpose Hall. Once completed, I am certain the hall will serve as an Excellence Centre to meet the education needs not only for the Indians but also for all other communities in hosting State, National and International activities.

Speaking of education, the Penang state government is aware that it remains an important issue of concern for the Indian community. Hence, the state government is putting in more resources to meet the education needs of the Indian community for next year’s state Budget. Our Tamil schools (SJKTs) will be receiving RM2 million while Tamil kindergartens will be receiving RM150,000 in total. Moreover, we are also allocating RM150,000 for the Special Fund for Tamil Schools and the Punjabi schools will be receiving RM90,000 in 2024. With such provisions earmarked for 2024, we hope we can raise the standards and performance of our Tamil schools and the Indian community should be proud of their contributions for the community.

Tuan Yang Terutama Tun, Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am confident in the able leadership of your President, Dr. Kalaikumar Nachi who has steered the Management Committee well to bring this vision of completing the building as planned.

Towards this objective and mission, I take this opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the Esteemed Philanthropists, Tan Sri Tan Sri, Dato’ Seri Dato’ Seri, Dato' Dato’ and donors from far and near who are gathered here today for this noble evening. The Penang state government too, has contributed a total of RM250,000 towards the building fund of the Multi-Purpose Hall. Let us come together towards this dream and realise it through our joint efforts for the Indian Association Penang. I can imagine the hive of activity when the hall finally comes to completion in this prime area in Penang for all.

The State Government is a staunch believer and advocate for projects with a strong sense of friendship, solidarity, community development and unity. We will continue to support the Association’s activities like we have done throughout all these years as we recognise the Indian Association Penang as a crucial pillar in fostering social cohesion supporting charitable causes to uplift vulnerable communities.

To all the kind donors, this dream project of the community is undeniably achievable from your strong commitment, efforts and cooperation. Well done and with that, I wish everyone here to have a wonderful and enjoyable evening.

Thank you.