NGOs Important In Moulding Nation, Says M'sian PM's Wife

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister's wife Rosmah Mansor (third from left) said on Wednesday night that Malaysian Non-governmental Organisations (NGO) had an important role in moulding and developing the nation. She said NGOs could complement government efforts to handle various issues such as women, welfare, children, religion, education and business, apart from increasing community participation in economic and social activities. "NGOs are community entities which exist at the grass roots level and communicate directly with the people on various issues and challenges," she said in her speech during the launch of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insaniah Srikandi (Srikandi), a charitable organisation and a 1Malaysia NGOs dinner at Taman Setiawangsa here. Rosmah delivered a contribution to single mother Maznah Mohamed (second from right) at the event. Also present were Srikandi Malaysia president Norashikin Abd Ghani (third from right) and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Maslan (second from left). "Srikandi's formation is meaningful for women, as charitable and welfare activities can be carried out in a more orderly and efficient manner. "It can also allow the community to channel requests for assistance and advice on social and welfare issues through the organisation," she added. Srikandi was established in March, aimed at providing assistance to women in small businesses and girls trapped in social ills. It has 1,600 members at present. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA