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A dialogue was held today at BBSH Kuala Lumpur between members of BAKTI - headed by the President YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor and representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources headed by the Minister himself, YB Dato’ Dr. Subramaniam a/l K.V. Sathasivam. The session was to discuss current issues pertaining to foreign workers in general and domestic maids in particular. As representatives of women in Malaysia, BAKTI members voiced their concern on the quality of domestic maids entering the country, the unjust high pay and privileges being demanded by the government of their country, the lack of responsibility of the agents bringing in the workers and the social problems resulting from their presence in Malaysia. With the objective of highlighting the grouses and problems of working women and women with the elderly and children to care for, the BAKTI ladies insisted that any new policy regarding domestic maids be given thorough thought and put to full and open discussion with the people. It was a full and frank dialogue. The attendees were given a comprehensive brief by the Minister on Malaysian and international policies, rules and regulations related to foreign workers with particular emphasis on domestic maids. Passionate arguments were put forward against proposed policies and the current situation in relation to domestic maids. Despite this, the afternoon ended amicably with the Minister and his team acknowledging some of the issues brought up and agreeing to look further into the issues being raised.
On 20 July 2010, YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, the Yang DiPertua BAKTI presented a cheque worth RM50,000 to Pn Adibah Amin, a former teacher, novelist and journalist. The 74 year old Johorean is recovering from a stroke she suffered three years ago. The sponsor for the amount was 1Malaysia Development Berhad. About 30 BAKTI members attended the event together with members of the media to make the occasion a success. Adibah Amin was accompanied by her younger sister Fadzilah. Also present was Shahrol Halmi, 1Malaysia Development Bhd CEO. Adibah Amin is an exemplary figure and made a difference to society. She wrote in newspaper columns, magazine features and radio plays, translated books and even acted in a Malay comedy. She has also written three Malay novels, two collections of short stories for children, three collections of her newspaper columns, a compilation of articles on learning Malay in English, and, of course, an English novel!. Adibah has won a list of awards such as the Universe Book Prize 1956, Asian Journalist of the Year 1979, Johor Literary Award 1996 and the Tun Razak Award 1998. Although incomparable with Adibah’s contribution to society, members of BAKTI hope that this token will help Adibah with rehabilitation and make her golden years comfortable. May Adibah recover well and continue to shine as a gem of the nation; as a multi-talented figure in the fields of language, literature and education.
The annual sports meet for wives of elected representatives of Barisan Nasional Malaysia was recently held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah from 15th to 17th July 2010. 500 representatives from all 14 states took part in the bowling and badminton tournaments. BAKTI’s contingent of 22 athletes was headed by our YDP, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor who participated in the badminton tournament. With her doubles partner Datin Lee Sun Loo, she played 6 games and won them all! Overall, BAKTI secured the bronze medal in badminton. The home team, BAKISA took first place, followed by the Perak team, BAIDURI. In the bowling event, the team was headed by BAKTI’s NYDP, Puan Sri Hajah Datin Norainee Abdul Rahman. The bowlers secured fourth place, after Perak, Sabah and Selangor consecutively. Much goodwill and ties were fostered between states and team spirit prevailed. Amidst all the competitiveness, the ladies had a good time with each other catching up and exchanging notes. All look forward to the meet in Trengganu next year. Nights were filled with dinners and vibrant and lively cultural shows courtesy of the hosts. The various state contingents and supporters also contributed to the night in song and dance. The ladies are indeed talented and commited. They are aptly able to balance between their duties as wife to elected representatives, members of their state charitable association and as mothers and homemakers.
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