Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Hakka Association (KKHA) is planning to embark on a senior citizens' home project.In this concern, its Chairman Datuk Jimmy Yong Kyok Ming urged members to consider donating a piece of land for the purpose.
According to him, a member had donated a piece of land last year but it was found to be unsuitable, being located on hilly ground.
He stressed that the proposed senior citizens home would be different from the Government-run old folks' home, as a fee would be imposed.
"Don't get me wrong. We (Chinese community) are not encouraging young people to shirk their filial responsibilities. Times have changed and we have to be realistic.
"In this age of industrialisation and urbanisation, where both husband and wife are earning a living, many families have no one to take care of their elderly parents.
"We are not abandoning our parents as children are required to take their loved ones home over the weekend," he said at the Parents' Day Dinner gathering, Friday.
The event was organised by the KKHA Women Division headed by Siaw Shui Lan.
Yong later received a mock cheque for RM7,000 from Siaw.
It was a contribution from the division in aid of poor students' education fees.
Confirming this, Yong, who is Chairman of the Board of Governors of SM Tshung Tsin, said every year the school provides scholarships to students from needy families.
"The number of applications for such scholarships has been on the increase.
We receive up to about 200 applications each year."
On public perception that SM Tshung Tsin is a school for rich kids, he clarified that it is not true.
Earlier, Siaw, in her address, reminded children to be obedient to their parents.
"Be respectful to your parents and don't hurt them in any way," she said.
Guest of Honour Candy Wong, a businesswoman, hoped the organisers would carry on the tradition of celebrating Parents' Day each year.
Parents were entertained by children from various kindergartens, adolescent singers, a child magician and a yo-yo performer.
The lucky father and mother each received a gold chain in a special lucky draw for parents.
Hakka cuisine was served as befitting the occasion.
