Recognising power of NGOs

Samsudin (centre, in black and yellow) opening the Pesta Cahaya Deepavali Malaysia at Ipoh town hall.

THE role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has evolved over the years.

Today, they are a force that must be recognised as indispensable to the ruling government.

Datuk Samsudin Abu Hassan, who is state Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Consumer Affairs, NGOs and Civil Society Committee chairman, said NGOs play a valuable role by relaying information from the government objectively.

“Everything in our country seems to be politicised at this moment, including efforts to provide aid to the rakyat from both state and federal governments.

“Once politicised, this would jeopardise the country’s development and future.

NGO representatives lighting the ‘Kuttu Vilakku’ (Indian oil lamp) at the opening.

“This is why I think it’s time NGOs stepped in and gave a clearer picture to the people, by explaining about government policies, such as the Budget 2018 and how it can really benefit everyone,” he told a press conference after attending the Pesta Cahaya Deepavali 1Malaysia at the Ipoh town hall.

About 500 people attended the event, which was organised by 25 Perak NGOs and three government agencies.

With the help of NGOs, Samsudin said it would then be easier for the rakyat to realise the true efforts of the government in helping them.

To empower the NGOs, Samsudin said the state government would devise a strategic approach through its thinktank Institut Darul Ridzuan.

Guests tucking into the sumptuous spread of buffet food served.

“We will work with the NGOs to ensure that we can get all of them onboard for this initiative,” he said.

The event organising chairman Dr Richard Ng said he hoped the state government would distribute allocation to some 6,000 NGOs in the state fairly.

“As far as I understand, even though there are around 6,000 NGOs in the state, not all of them are very active.

“We should look into all of them to determine the impact they give to the community.

“As the eyes and ears of the state government, I hope that the allocation would be distributed fairly based on the impact and service rendered by these NGOs,” said the Ipoh City Watch president.