By P. Chandra Sagaran
Some 191 retirees from Ipoh City Council were feted along with the next of kin of some employees who had passed away at a leading hotel recently. (September 6).
Among them were those who had retired after reaching mandatory age, optional retirement, health reasons and others who have passed on between 2019 and 2020.
Present were Ipoh City Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin@Md Daud, Council Secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak, councillors, senior directors and heads of departments.
The event is to recognise and express the council’s appreciation to the pensioners for their dedication and commitment in serving the council.
Although their hard work all these years cannot be valued by just hosting a meal but the council’s current management team in recognising the services of the retirees for jointly making Ipoh City Council as one of the best local authorities in the country which earned a five star rating and a cleanest city.
Rumaizi in his speech said:”I am happy that the pensioners and the next of kin including those from far away made it a point to attend the event as there are those who feel uncomfortable to mingle around after they leave the service.
“As pensioners it is important that they take the initiative to become the eyes and ears of the civil service, especially the council in the context of the needs and understanding of the residents.
“They should actively participate in NGOs to contribute ideas and provide leadership assistance as the role of these organisations has become vital since the community cannot solely depend on the Government for assistance,” he added.