Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR.
MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date ` : 31/12/99
Tajuk/Title : THE 65TH ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
DISTRICT 3300 CONFERENCE
Firstly, let me thank Rotary International for
inviting me today to deliver a speech. I understand
participants come as far as Thailand, Taiwan,
Amsterdam and India. To all foreign Rotarians here
attending the 65th Rotary International District 3300
Conference, I bid you a warm 'Selamat Datang'. I hope
you will take time off from your busy schedule to
visit some of Malaysia's touristic spots and bring
home with you good memories of Malaysian hospitality.
2. I understand that Rotary International, an
organisation of business and professional leaders, with
the objective of providing humanitarian service,
encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and
help build goodwill and peace, has played a vital role
not only in fostering friendship and mutual
understanding among the different communities in
different countries around the world, but more
importantly has succeeded in complementing Government
efforts to create a friendly and cordial environment in
ensuring peace and stability in the country.
Internationally too this spirit of friendship has
advanced international peace. Its mission of reducing
differences among the different ethnic groups in the
world has earned for itself a reputation for being a
non-profit organisation that has transcended national
boundaries and overcome language and the barriers of
race, colour and creed while at the same time advancing
international understanding, goodwill and peace among
the different communities in the world. Rotary's motto
'Service Above Self' is consistent with the spirit of
altruism propagated by most religions of the world, and
today Rotary embraces some 1.2 million men and women
from more than 162 countries and regions providing
humanitarian service to mankind.
3. Rotary International District 3300's contribution
to Malaysia can hardly be over emphasised. The most
significant contribution has been its avoidance of
involvement in partisan politics. This has helped
Malaysia attain its objective of creating a society
predicated on the principles of harmonious living.
Being apolitical, Rotary International has discharged
its duties and responsibilities to the Malaysian
community without stirring any ill feelings among the
various racial groups or political factions. Being non
partisan, non prejudiced and non discriminating has
earned for itself high regard as a truly professional
NGO. Its commitment, dedication and especially its
caring and selfless attitude deserves commendation of
the highest order. I especially wish to single out its
enthusiasm to venture into community service, providing
projects and programmes that have helped to lessen the
burden of the underprivileged and the less fortunate in
Malaysian society. Their mission to reach out to
society's poor despite the economic downturn is most
praise worthy. The Malaysian Government therefore
wish to place on record its appreciation to Rotary
International for its contribution to Malaysia. This
is especially remarkable as such services were made
without the imposition of preconditions, or the
expectation of any rewards. I hope other NGOs will
emulate this non-partisan role and the excellent show
of deeds of Rotary International. By being responsible
and totally committed towards peace, it has advanced
the ideals of excellent citizenship. Peace,
understanding and goodwill among its citizens are
important prerequisites for the achievement of a good
quality of life.
4. The world today is fraught with problems including
that of war, famine and poverty. The destruction
brought about by war, civil strife and conflicts has
led to millions of children to live in abject poverty,
made worse by the prevalence of life threatening
diseases such as Aids, HIV, etc. The humanitarian
approach of Rotarian International in providing
community service worldwide, has helped to alleviate
some of these miseries and sufferings in the world
today. Let us hope this spirit of friendship among the
numerous communities worldwide will further promote
world peace and understanding, making it a better place
for all of us.
5. Soon we will leave this millennium for a new one,
a time which promises great hope and aspirations for
all, irrespective of race, colour, beliefs or religion.
The future is not without challenges as we know the
pace of technological change, the borderlessness of
nations and the ever increasing flow of information
technology will have great impact on our lives . The
new era brings with it changes that will require us to
adapt swiftly so as to effectively reap enormous
benefits. In this context, it is important that
Malaysians be ready and responsive to these changes.
The rich, the poor, the fortunate and the less
fortunate must be given the opportunity to equal access
to this modern technology and infrastructure. The
spirit of Rotary should influence us in the development
of an equitable and just world.
6. The years ahead will be daunting but I believe
that with the bonds of friendships and the willingness
to serve others, Rotarians worldwide will help us make
a good start in the new millennium.
7. To all Rotarians here I wish them a great New
Year, a new Century and a new millennium. May God
bless you all.
|
|