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17th August, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: The single mothers group should not be labeled as contributory to the increase in the poverty level in the state.
Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs (KPMHEP), Datuk Hajah Azizah Dun said this in her speech at the launch of the Single Parent Association of Sabah (PITSA) on Wednesday.
She said, all parties should be involved in programmes to help uplift the well-being of single mothers.
“People should not take a negative view or take advantage of single parents because it would only continue to stifle their lives and limit their chances of progressing. We must help them in every way possible to ensure no negative impact befall on their children who will one day represent the country,” she said at the event held in Sabah Oriental Hotel here.
She said that single mothers can actually deflect the general perception that single mothers are vulnerable and highly dependent on aid.
“I believe that efforts to muster all the energy of single mothers through a recognized organization is a positive and appropriate action towards efforts to help single parents to meet the challenges of life. PITSA can play a big role in bringing a wave of change to single mothers. An association that is consistent can help these people move towards a better life,” she explained.
She explained further that with the initiatives of its members and the parties concerned, PITSA would be able to implement many programmes and activities that are beneficial and at the same time, single mothers will feel more aware when their welfare is under PITSA.
She said the existence of PITSA as a channel is timely in order to further the advancement of women’s development in various aspects such as socio-economics, management, leadership, productivity, liberal-minded outlook and competitive spirit.
“PITSA would also be able to help the less able and the disabled when all their plans have been achieved,” she added.
She also announced that the state government through her ministry had approved PITSA’s registration under Sabah Council of Social Services (MPMS) and given a grant of RM70,000.00 to implement the development programme for single mothers.
“With the inclusion into the MPMS, PITSA becomes one of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under the ministry where there is a total of 36 NGOs in total.
“For me, it is a positive sign as all NGOs registered with the MPMS are very active in their respective fields in order to realize their role, especially in enhancing the development of society as a whole,” she added.
She also reminded that any district with a Single Mothers Association registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to take steps to become an affiliate member of PITSA in order to benefit from the provision of the programmes that have been planned together.
“The success of any organization or association is not in its establishment, but on the strength, stability and unity of its members and its committees. So my hope is for the committee and members of PITSA to continue to uphold strongly the values, principles and objectives of the association so that its direction can be sustained. I hope this association will continue to intensify efforts to look for place and opportunity to work with various government agencies and NGOs in any other form of social programmes other than programmes enhancing the socio-economic development of single mothers,” she said.
She also urged all parties, especially single mothers, to expand the scope of their thinking so that everything can be enjoyed not only in one direction, but eventually for the whole of society to enjoy the results.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary of KPMHEP, Datuk Asnimar Sukardi, Director of Welfare Services (JPKA) Sabah, Ethong Terang, Chairman of the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS), Dr. Mariati Robert and PITSA Chairman Norhanida Annol.
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