Jamit (fourth right) presents a hamper to the champion of the women’s category of the karaoke competition Jenny Yeu.
KAPIT: Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit has suggested to the Senior Citizens Service Centre (PPWE) here to organise more healthy activities for its members.
He said he was happy that the centre had been set up here for those aged 60 and above but wanted to see more activities organised to promote good health and interaction between the senior citizens, which in turn fosters racial harmony and tolerance.
“Those who are 60 years old and above, as long as they are healthy, I believe are still filled with energy and spirit to participate in suitable healthy activities such as physical exercises like walking and jogging, playing chess, karaoke, folk dance, etc.
“Therefore, I call upon the PPWE to think out of the box to create healthy and suitable activities for the members,” he said.
He regarded the senior citizens as a valuable asset because of their vast experiences accumulated over the years while serving in the civil service or private sector.
“Your expertise can be shared among the younger generation. When you share your experiences with them, surely they benefit from the knowledge which they cannot find from books,” he told the senior citizens.
Jamit was speaking when officiating at the karaoke competition and buffet dinner for senior citizens organised by PPWE Kapit at the Civic Centre here recently, which was attended by some 200 members.
He also said the government recognised the valuable experiences of those who had retired by appointing some of them as community leaders and even by reengaging them on contract basis.
On politics, Jamit thanked the PPWE for giving him their full support in the recent state election.
“As elders or leaders in your communities, I’d like to appeal to you to continue supporting the government of the day.
At least explain to our children, relatives or friends why we need to support the government. We can’t run away from the government of the day. The government is the provider of healthcare, schools, infrastructure and amenities, and so on,” he said.
Responding to the appeal by the chairman of Kapit PPWE, Penghulu Steward Sawing, for the PPWE to have its own premises, Jamit told the PPWE to come up with a proposal.
“In this light I urge PPWE members to scout around, perhaps one of the empty government quarters for the centre. I’ll recommend based on your proposal,” he assured.
At the function, he announced RM6,000 for the PPWE.
Also speaking at the function were Steward and Welfare Department (Kapit) assistant director Peter Gabong.
Meanwhile, the champion of the karaoke competition for men was Wilfred Billy Panyau. In second and third places respectively were Pemanca Yong Thu Fook and Tuai Rumah Madang Jalaini.
In the women category, the champion was Jenny Yeu, second was Ejau Asun and in third place was Lidong Lambat.
They received hampers from Jamit.