MIRI: Dependence on the government might not be the best answer to help the less-fortunate members of society, said Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The best way to help them, he pointed out, would be for those with good fortune to have the desire to care for them.

“The government’s role is far from being perfect to look after the interest of the less-fortunate; no matter what scheme we create and run, it is not sufficient,” he said at the opening of Parents Association of Special Children (Pibakis) building here yesterday.

Taib said there would always be something missing if only the government cared for the less-fortunate and it was the duty of all citizens to assist them as the essence of a good and caring society.

“Today I see the spirit of care and desire to be able to contribute to show that the spirit of care is still alive and growing stronger as our society becomes more global.

“I have seen many people reaching out to schools, particularly Chinese schools, homes for the aged and many other charitable bodies in order to fulfil that feeling,” he said.

Taib added that the progress of a country could be measured in terms of dollars and cents, but it would never be enough unless the people wanted to show their care for the country.

“As we see today, Pibakis is an example how the public has chipped in together to help and contribute back to the society, especially for those who have succeeded in their business and never to forget those in need.

“I am sure this is not the only one that we will undertake for the future because I see this as a way of looking after the people and not let them feel neglected,” he said, urging the public especially the wealthy members of the  community to play their role in helping more charitable bodies and the less-fortunate.

He thanked those who had contributed and kept the feelings alive.

Taib hoped to see more people organise efforts to help the less- fortunate in a way that would enable them to cope with the challenging differences that could arise in the future.

“As long as the feelings are there from both those who are doing well or not, we do not need a revolution in Malaysia in order to have a good society, even though they were born in circumstances,” he said before announcing his donation of RM100,000 to Pibakis.

Among the distinguished guests attending the event were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah who was representing Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister for Solidarity Rosey Yunus, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis, Pibakis chairman Chiam Yun Chaw, Pibakis patron Dato Hii King Chiong, political secretaries, department heads and community leaders.