Charity, moral work vital for harmony in Sarawak, says Deputy Premier

KUCHING (Jan 20): Charitable and moral-based organisations play a key role in complementing government efforts to uplift society and promote social harmony in Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He commended the Sarawak Kuching Ji Heng Shan She Charity and Moral Uplifting Society for its active involvement in charity work and community service since its establishment.

“Since its founding, Ji Heng Shan She has upheld the principle of ‘practising benevolence for the benefit of society and promoting moral values’, actively engaging in charitable and public welfare services,” he said at the society’s first anniversary celebration here, in a speech read by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

The deputy premier, who is also State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that the society’s initiatives, including free medical services, assisting the needy, and caring for vulnerable groups, reflect its commitment to translating moral values into practical action.

“It is especially worth highlighting that the provision of free medical services and medicine is not merely an act of charity, but also a manifestation of respect and care for life.

“Health has never been just an individual concern; it affects families and even society as a whole,” he said.

He added that such efforts help reduce the financial burden on grassroots communities and provide timely assistance, bringing reassurance and hope to many families.

Dr Sim also highlighted the long-standing focus of moral organisations on ethical education and value cultivation, noting that such initiatives help nurture positive social values and energy.

“In Sarawak’s multi-cultural and multi-faith society, such a spirit is especially significant.

“It not only helps foster social harmony, but also enables people from different backgrounds to develop mutual understanding, respect one another, look out for each other, and move forward together through shared values and goodwill,” he said.

Touching on Sarawak’s development journey, Dr Sim said that progress in economic growth, social development, and public welfare requires close cooperation between the government, civil society organisations, and the people.

“The government is responsible for policy formulation and driving development, while charitable organisations such as Ji Heng Shan She play an indispensable role in grassroots services, social care and moral value cultivation,” he said, expressing confidence that the society’s charitable initiatives would continue to grow and strengthen with the support of its committee members and volunteers.

He also hopes that the society would expand its service scope, unite more social forces, and work hand in hand with the government to build an inclusive, harmonious, and progressive Sarawak.

Also present were the society’s president, Tan Swee Heng, and representatives from the Kota Kinabalu Ji Heng Shan She Charity and Moral Uplifting Society, including Dai Rong Qiang.