THE FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON WITH MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES CHINESE VETERANS ASSOCIATION (MACVA)
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON WITH MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES CHINESE VETERANS ASSOCIATION (MACVA)
3 December 2023
Elite House
YB Puan Syerleena Abdul Rashid
MP for Bukit Bendera
Mr Ng Chor Huat (RMAF Veteran)
Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (MACVA) Northern Chapter Chairman
Mdm Mary Koh (RMN Veteran)
Representative of the MACVA Management Committee
Mr Tan Soon Seng (RMAF Veteran)
Organising Chairman of the 2nd Annual Veterans Fellowship Luncheon
Remembrance Day Ceremony (RDC) 2023 Sponsors:
- Dato’ Chen Jen Ping
2) Peng Wah Lok Lok represented by Mr Chia Kim Nai (ASP retired)
All MACVA veterans & family members, all RDC-Remembrance Day Ceremony 2023 participants
Distinguished guests, Members of the Media, Ladies & Gentlemen
A very good afternoon to all of you.
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the MACVA Second Anniversary Luncheon Committee, especially Mr. Tan Soon Seng for inviting me to such a warm and lively luncheon this afternoon. Congratulations and well done to Mr. Tan and his committee for making this event a huge success.
MACVA is the only Chinese Association where its members are former service members of the Armed Forces or Territorial Army from the Chinese community. As far as I know, many of the veterans have fought gallantly to defend the dignity, sovereignty and peace of our beloved country. During the Second World War and the Communist Insurgency, many ethnic Chinese veterans shed their blood and even sacrificed their lives for the sake of our beloved nation.
Records have shown that many ethnic Chinese soldiers have served with utmost loyalty, honour and excellence in the line of duty. I have full confidence that if duty calls, given the opportunity and situation, the Malaysian Chinese community will not hesitate to step up to a more unique role in the defence of our country.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
MACVA also acts as a bridge that forges closer friendship among its members, especially for those who might have dropped off the radar for a while. MACVA activities of the various chapters in the country provide the opportunities for your comrades-in-arms to meet up again and of course, to also reminisce your good old heroic days.
I am also happy to note that through MACVA, the welfare of many less fortunate veterans can also be taken care of, so as to ensure that they can continue on with their regular civilian lives. This clearly shows that the spirit of brotherhood and loyalty to each other while on the battlefield, is still burning strong and it translates into mutual assistance among us. As the saying goes; we always take care of our own.
Not only does MACVA render assistance to its members, this noble cause is also extended to those who need help in their local area, regardless of race or religion. The practice of caring for those who are less fortunate is highly encouraged especially in our pluralistic society made up of various races, religions and cultures. I hereby congratulate MACVA! Keep up the good and meaningful work!
Ladies & Gentlemen,
I would also like to take this opportunity to greatly encourage all of you to participate in the state government’s programmes which concern our senior citizens. In Penang, active ageing is mentioned in the Penang2030 Vision as one of the important features in the establishment of a family-focused state. We aim to enhance our welfare and care systems to increase the active and inclusive participation of our seniors in the community.
One such programme is the free digital classes for senior citizens provided by Digital Penang. It is fully funded by the Penang state government with the aim of increasing digital literacy and the use of basic technologies among members of the community especially for the elderly. The programme offers modules which make it fun to pick up digital skills as we want to make it as easy as possible for our seniors. So, don’t miss out on the digital revolution!
Before I end my speech, I wish everyone here enjoy good health and an active as well as prosperous life. Thank you for making the effort to be here and taking time to liven up this meaningful event.