KUCHING: The proposed Social Workers Act 2012, aimed at improving the quality of social work services, will not be adopted by the state if the bill is passed in Parliament.
Adenan (third left) accompanying Taib to the function hall for the anniversary lunch. Also seen is Aloysius (left) and Morshidi (right). — Photo by Chimon Upon
Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem said the state government refused to adopt the Act which required social workers to have the necessary academic qualifications as this “could kill the spirit of volunteerism” in the state.
The Social Workers bill is expected to be tabled during the next Parliamentary session.
“This new Act in Parliament requires social workers to possess a degree qualification in social work before these individuals can become counselors and volunteers in social organisations.
“No, we cannot (adopt the Act). If you insist on having certain academic qualification to enable people to volunteer, this will kill the spirit of volunteerism.
“So I said no to this,” Adenan said when officiating at Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak’s (Azam) 31st anniversary luncheon at the Hilton Hotel here yesterday.
Also present were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud who is Azam patron, his wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, state secretary and Azam chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani, Azam chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris and several state dignitaries.
He noted that there were about 30 institutions in the state which volunteer for the community while other types of voluntary bodies in the state .
Touching on Azam’s 31st anniversary theme “Millennials Empowered: Driving Development through Connectivity” Adenan said, “There must be active people participation in development processes, make them a part of something.
“The youths are no less important in volunteerism for development. In fact, in this age of the Millennials (people who are born between 1980 to 2000), it is crucial that the younger generations are actively engaged in volunteerism activities.”
Azam is a non-profit organisation that promotes and undertakes communication for development. Over the past 30 years, the voluntary body has been partnering the state government in disseminating information on current development policies.