KUCHING: Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) wants to work with local councils and the communities in general to organise more programmes for youths in the state.
Its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the main thrust of this cooperation was to bring social development and achievements to a new level.
“Towards the end of the year, we will collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and Ministry of Social Development to hold intensive discussions, seminars and workshops on achieving partnership with local authorities and communities as we work together towards progressive cities and towns.
“This is for us to bring social development in Sarawak to a new level,” he said at Azam’s 30th anniversary dinner themed ‘Connecting Communities, Shaping Sarawak’s Future’ at the State Legislative Assembly banquet hall on Saturday.
Alluding to the latest social media tools, he said Azam, which acts as platform for the state’s development communications, was now applying the latest communication technologies to reach out to youths.
Morshidi, who is also State Secretary, also spoke highly of Azam Youth Central that was launched in July this year. Located at Medan Pelita here and staffed by volunteers, Azam Youth Central is the meeting point of youths of all races to indulge in healthy activities.
On Azam, he said it was the brainchild of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who was instrumental in its formation on March 26, 1983, to facilitate effective communications to the people in the state.
“In both Malay and Iban languages the word ‘Mansang’ means ‘to progress’. Azam came about earlier than the 1Azam programme introduced by the federal government.”
Meanwhile, appreciation awards were given out that same night by Taib, who was the guest of honour. The awards included achievement and incentive awards to the Azam Young Souls, or volunteers.
There were also awards for loyal and dedicated service to staff of ‘Greater Azam’, which comprises Azam, Sarawak Development Institute (SDI) and the Faradale Group of Companies.
Founding members and Sarawak Federation of Journalists Associations (SFJA) members were also honoured with special awards. Apart from performances by Azam Young Souls, guests were also pleasantly surprised and cheered when the giant screen showed the result of the Sarawak – Kedah Malaysia Cup football match. Sarawak trounced the visitors 6-1.