IT was just a year ago when Tamilar Kural Malaysia hosted a fundraising dinner to purchase a four-storey building in Perai for its operations.
Now, the organisation’s dream has become a reality.
The organisation purchased the space for RM585,000 and it is the headquarters for the many branches set up across the country.
Tamilar Kural Malaysia is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) set up in 2016, mainly to assist in human rights issues.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the opening of the new office reflected the hard work and commitment that were collectively put in by the members, led by their president, David Marshel, who is also the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor.
“As the organisation turns six this year and with some 1,000 members nationwide, this success is timely as it will provide more room for new members to come in and provide their services.
“Penang will always be grateful to the NGOs as they serve as the state’s backbone in many issues, especially in assisting needy families and providing timely assistance for eligible parties.
“I hope that Tamilar Kural will continue to be the voice of the people by addressing and solving human rights issues in our society,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the new office building in Perai today.
Meanwhile, David said the idea of setting up Tamilar Kural started only from a WhatsApp group in 2014.
“It was the commitment and togetherness of the members that made it possible for the organisation to be registered legally in 2016.
“It is a privilege to see members from other states here today.
“We would like to thank all the donors for making this office building a reality for us.
“From now on, the workload gets bigger and we will continue to serve as the voice for everyone,” David said during his speech.
He added that during Covid, Tamilar Kural had assisted 4,000 affected families with necessities and raised RM250,000 to help flood victims in Pahang and Selangor recently.
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who was also present, said that Tamilar Kural should also lend their ears and voices to families affected due to recent issues like increased living costs and price hikes in essentials.
“Besides human rights issues, we are facing a lot of other issues.
“And I believe Tamilar Kural can play a part in addressing these issues,” Lim said before congratulating the organisation on its new office.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said Tamilar Kural must not drift away from its sole purpose of serving the people despite rising higher with a new office now.
“Always keep the people and their issues in mind. Continue to do good for them,” he said.
Among others present during the ceremony were Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy, Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad