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Soul City
young people to be more involved in
social and charity work.
“It is so important that we
encourage our children to take an
interest in charity or social work from
an early age. It not only benefits
which ever worthy cause they take
on but I believe that it can also play
a big role in boosting their own
personal development,” she said.
“These days most youngsters are
reliant on things to be done for
them. They are not as self sufficient
as when we were their age. Many
families have helpers who do many
of the daily household chores and
therefore, kids become dependent
on them, even to do simple task
like washing their school shoes for
example.”
“As parents we are busy with our jobs
so we also depend on our helpers
to manage the home. Therefore,
as parents we have to teach our
children to be self-sufficient. At the
same time, it is crucial to monitor
their movements and to be aware of
certain dangers out there.”
As patron of several NGOs, Toh Puan
feels that it is her duty to be involved
as much as she can.
Not wanting to be a ‘patron tidur’
(sleeping patron) she emphasizes that
she wants to be able to concentrate
on the NGOs that she is involved in
and makes sure that she is briefed on
their calendar of events.
“I want to be aware of what’s
happening, big or small, I try to
attend as many events as I can
to give moral support and at
the same time share my views to
ensure its effectiveness in today’s
climate for the betterment of
our people. I want to encourage
the younger generation to join
NGOs that interest them. It is
good to have something to be
passionate about. It gives you a
sense of purpose and giving back to
society. It is even more satisfying to
see, when its implementation has
worked towards the progress and
sustainability of any individuals. I get
myself totally involved in monitoring
the results, too.“
On the subject of rural women,
Toh Puan believes that NGOs
like the Sarawak Federation of
Women’s Institute (SFWI) has done
a lot to empower rural women, to
encourage them to progress, to
become leaders, entrepreneurs or
simply be part of a capable work
force in the community.
Toh Puan, who is patron of SFWI, has
been a member of the NGO since
she was 14 years old. She recalls
back then they did a lot of cooking
but were also involved in helping
during political campaigns. Although
there are many NGOs nowadays,
she said they are all aiming towards
the same direction which is to
empower not only women in the
rural areas but also encouraging the
young people to be more involved in
community work.
“Women today are lucky. There are
many opportunities out there for
them to progress and I hope they
grab the chance to do so. Many
years ago, women were considered
second-class citizens, which is still
true in most countries. If you don’t
go to school then you stay home and
get married.”
“That was the mentality back then.
Women were expected to be in the
home. Today things have changed.
We see so many women who are
highly educated and have become
leaders in their field. Even so, we as
society must remember to balance
our family and work life.”
Besides SFWI, Toh Puan is also
very involved in the Girl Guides
Movement of which she is also
patron.
“I was in the Girls Guides. I am very
excited to see our new headquarters,
which should be completed soon. I
am also happy to see the SFWI’s new
building progressing well. It should
be completed soon also.”
Many would know that one subject
that is very close to Toh Puan’s heart
is the Children’s Orphanage Home
(Lembaga Pelawat Rumah Kanak
Kanak Kuching) where she has been
involved for many years and have
given invaluable contribution.
“Many of the children who are
there are either abandoned or
abused. I feel that they also deserve
a chance to be loved and to have
the same opportunities as other
children.”
“Some are adopted by families.
However, the process of adoption is
very strenuous as potential parents
are screened before a decision is
made. This is important as these
children are vulnerable, so placing
them with the right family is of
utmost importance.”
According to Toh Puan, the
government run orphanage is home
to orphans until they are 18 years
old.
“Every child deserves a chance.
As a caring society, we must work
together to bring hope and healing
to these children, many who have
been through difficult times. I urge
everyone to open their hearts, either
as supporters or volunteers to be
able to bring both physical and
emotional healing to the children,”
she stresses. At the same time Toh
Puan also calls on young girls not to
be involved in pre marital sex and
to understand the consequences
of unwanted pregnancies. She also
pointed out that it is important
for children to remember their
responsibilities to their parents, their
aged parents.
“Often, we hear of children who
leave their parents at old folk’s
homes. They don’t visit and they
don’t care. It shouldn’t be that way.
We must create a foundation of a
caring heart in our children from
young. Love and responsibility go
hand and hand. It is something that
I teach my children too,” said Toh
Puan.
As the wife of the Head of state,
balancing her family life and public
life can be challenging. According
to her, the best way is to simply be
happy.
“It is also my secret to staying
young,” jokes Toh Puan, who enjoys
gardening and planting local fruits
during her spare time.
Apr-Jun2012BorneoTalk | 9