| STATE
SECRETARY'S VIEW |
 |
| Tan Sri
Datuk Amar Hj Hamid Bugo |
The
privilege of being, and doing something, useful
When we observed Awal Muharam on
29th April, and later that week, Labour Day (on 1st May), we were able to do
so in relative quiet and tranquility. This was a much needed break especially
for our colleagues who were involved in putting out the fires in the Northern
region. The last week of the month saw the much awaited rains finally pouring
in the Miri, Limbang, Lawas areas. The rains helped put out the fires and consequently
dissipated the haze in the area.
Again, as it was last year, I am
pleased to note the kind of cooperation and the amount of concern that people
showed each other during these times. Whenever I recall the time when Sarawak
was declared a state of emergency last year due to the haze, I would always
feel appreciative of the people who came forward with their assistance, their
advice, their time and efforts to help ease the situation. The show of unity
and cooperation among the politicians, the civil servants from different agencies
and departments and from those in the private sector, was truly heartwarming.
Although most were not compelled to be there, they voluntarily helped out in
whatever way they can.
The same kind of cooperation and
dedication was exhibited by those who were involved in the task of putting out
fires and addressing the haze situation in the Northern region. Besides the
government machinery set up in Miri - the State Disaster Management and Relief
Committee led by Datu Dr Hatta Hj Solhee - there were those who came forward
voluntarily to help out. Some local business owners came forward with donations
of drinks and food for the firefighters and other volunteers. Companies like
Shell and Petronas also did their part in alleviating the water shortage in
Miri. Local residents also took upon themselves to watch out for things that
might cause the fires to erupt, and thus prevent more fires from occurring.
Others would have wanted to help put out the fires, too, but since it is quite
dangerous, we had to decline their offer.
The fact that people are willing
to come forward to lend a hand is something that we can all be proud of here
in Sarawak. However, I can't help but think that this spirit of volunteerism
should not be manifested only during emergency situations. Shouldn't this spirit
of volunteerism be an integral part of our mindset and our behaviour, especially
among us, civil servants?
If you are asked what is the best
thing one can expect in life, what would your answer be? Would you say wealth,
or fame, or knowledge? When Eleanor Roosevelt was asked the same question, she
replied: "the privilege of being useful!" With these words, I believe
she has captured the essence of volunteerism.
Benjamin Franklin once attributed
America's achievements as a nation to the spirit of volunteerism of the American
people, when he declared that "from the earliest years, our people have engaged
in volunteerism, showing concern for each other, in good times and bad."
To show concern for others, in good
times and bad, in whatever little way we can is a quality that we can nurture
and sustain in our communities. If we can all take pride in being a "volunteer",
standing ready and willing to serve others without expecting anything in return,
then we will find ourselves fully in control of our situation. Because no matter
what events may unfold or in whatever situation we may find ourselves in, we
know that we can count on each other to help pull us through. An we will be
spared the "gloom and doom" mentallity that afflicts societies where apathy
and indifference reigns.
Let us keep the message in this poem
by Edward Everett Hale, a 19th century American author, in mind...
"I am only
one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
To look up and not down;
To look forward and not back,
To look out and not in, and
To lend a hand."
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