MP with a caring touch

By VIVIENNE PAL
Photo by TK LIM

IT IS not a common occurrence but Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen have done it. So have PJU MP Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Yong Dai Ying.

The latest to join the list in dancing in public is Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok during a New Year celebration with the disabled community at Summit Shopping Complex, USJ on Saturday.











Sporting: Loh (second from right) joining in a dance performance by the disabled folks from Beautiful Gate Foundation.

The incident occurred when a group of performers from the Beautiful Gate Foundation encouraged the 100-odd guests to stand up and join them in their dance.

The event was jointly organised by the Beautiful Gate Foundation and various other NGOs including the Petaling district Young Men Movement (YMM), with sponsorship from Loh and Summit Shopping Complex, USJ.

"We are all partners in life and in building a caring and loving community," said Loh who sponsored some RM12, 000 for the celebration that evening.

He also sponsored 15 wheelchairs for the foundation.

"Some of those who are perfectly able-bodied don't value their lives and are not even productive. The disabled community surpass them in valuing their lives and making the best of it," he said.

Also present at the event were Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) secretary Slamat Hamzah and representatives from Kelana Jaya MIC division, Summit Shopping Complex, USJ and YMM.

Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin represented the disabled community in applauding Loh's idea of initiating the celebration.

"The care demonstrated by Loh makes us feel like part of the community," said Sia.

"He never treats us like disabled folks but like his friends. This is what we wish from the public. Just because we are disabled does not mean we do not want to or cannot live independently or contribute to society."

The night commenced with dinner sponsored by Summit Shopping Complex, USJ, stage presentations and a variety of games and lucky draws with prizes also sponsored by Loh.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/27/central/16640966&sec=central