Melaka's Duyong assemblyman gets honorary black belt for promoting diversity

MELAKA: Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halim is now an honorary fifth-dan karate black belt for promoting diversity among his constituents.

Melaka Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-Do Association president Shihan J. Manoharan said the decision to recognise Mohd Noor Helmy was reached after carefully valuing his contributions to all races in Duyong.

"In a nutshell, he is a lovable character who serves and attends to the needs of all races in this constituency," he said on Sunday (Sept 3).

Manoharan said honorary black belts were awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding service to the community.

"It was a difficult decision to make to confer the award as there are certain criteria to fulfil but the assemblyman has passed all by serving all races," he said.

The Melaka science, technology, innovation and digital communications committee deputy chairman had earlier attended the association's grand group training event at SJKC Pay Teck's school hall.

Earlier, the event attended by 400 people was launched by Melaka youth, sports and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) committee chairman V.P Shanmugam and Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Shadan Othman also attended the event, which Manoharan said was aimed at promoting mental strength through Okinawan Karate.

"Our main focus is training schoolchildren to face all forms of challenges in their lives," he said.

Manoharan said the Okinawan Karate teaches detailed moves that were choreographed to maintain a strong form of movement and coordination while developing muscle.

"It also boosts self-confidence and promotes a healthy lifestyle," he added.