A Message from EWRF Malaysia President
Footprints.
[You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re walking on tiptoe – Marion C. Blakey]
Dear Chairmen, Secretaries of Branches and Members
Warm Greetings!
I am sure all of you must be busy either discussing, campaigning or talking about the 12th General Election. Yes, indeed it is an important phase of time that we are passing through. We cannot feel comfortable or contended about our community’s progress in the last 50 years.
Hindraf rally on November 25, 2007 appears to have jolted the people in power. The various goodies handed or promised to be given is a clear testimony. No one can deny that at sometime during our life we too feel that we have been pushed to the street. I am sure people like us who want to see a change in the community experience such moments more than others. It is quiet evident that there is a mood for a change. By midnight 8th March, we will know whether the mood for change is a real thing or it is just an illusion.
Now let me update the real changes that have taken place in EWRF-HQ. The CWC which met on January 3rd, 2008 decided unanimously to shift the office to Unit 7.01, 7th Floor, Heritage House, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. The move initiated by me with the support of all the CWC members primarily to serve the community better and to optimise each ringgit donated by the Donors.
Some of the staff were unhappy over the move. More so, when they realised that its new location would be just 300 meters away from my office. The Executive Director resigned. There was an SMS circulated stating that the whole administration staff resigned enbloc. The actual fact is that two of them resigned to pursue further studies. Another two staff who resigned were on probation. Other clerks resigned because they secured jobs near their home. Two key staff remained with us.
We minimised the cost of shifting. The old office floor has been leased to a private company. The current office is small but it has the following advantages:-
- Easily accessible to the CWC members.
- It is strategically located, serviced by both LRT and Monorail. The nearest LRT Station Dang Wangi is 2 minutes away and the nearest Monorail Station, Medan Tuanku, is 4 minutes away.
Therefore easily accessible to the public. It is also located nearer to Tamil Foundation (2 minutes away) and CHILD 15 minutes away. All problems relating to shifting and organizing the office at our new premises have been resolved.
Since I assumed the presidency, our community activities have increased five fold. The donation we receive have tripled. The CWC is empowered to move forward. When things around us are moving at supersonic speed we are moving at snail’s pace. And this must change. Time and tide waits for no man. Contrary to the opinion of doomsayers, our intentions are clear and our activities are noble.
We just want to move the community forward. We want the community to grow with us. Now, I hope all issues or misgivings regarding the shifting of the head-quarters have been answered.
We were overwhelmed when Kajang Branch took the initiative to set up the Sungai Siput Branch. The Sungai Siput Branch is in the process of being registered.We have a group of young graduates who have agreed to join and serve the KL Branch.Datin Sri Kala and Ms Kalai our CWC members have activated the PJ Branch.
In the last week of March key members of the CWC will be visiting the Branches to keep in touch with what happening in the Branches. The two junior Clubs are functioning very well. The Mentakap Branch which is headed by our ABC Receipient has begun running English classes (EEP) for Standard One students.
We hope to initiate more such clubs in the future. The future of EWRF lies with our co-operation with other community based NGOs, carrying out activities and creating a pool of highly spirited and committed young men and women to lead the Organisation. Next week, I will be talking to you on REBRANDING. Meet you again after the Election.
Vote Wisely.
Pasupathi Sithamparam
(President)
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