By: Nurul Syafiqah Hanim Masmos
SERDANG, Dec 13 - The Human Resource Development Student Association (PESUMA), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), has organised the E-Convention of Nusantara Social Volunteers 2020 via Zoom and Facebook Live of Yayasan Ihtimam Malaysia.
The programme with the theme of ‘Celebrating the Potentials with the Beauty of Diversity and New Norms’ was officiated by Senator Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
The E-Convention was also organised in collaboration with Yayasan Ihtimam Malaysia, Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council, PESUMA and the Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, UPM.
The E-Convention of Nusantara Social Volunteers 2020 targeted participants from non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, the general public, university and school students.
Participants of the E-Convention opined that a discussion as such should be conducted often as the issues being discussed are very much related to the reality of life even under new norms.
Two sessions of the forum conducted involved views from panels from three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
The first forum with the topic ‘New Norms in Handling Social and Family Issues’ observed an interesting discussion emphasising current social issues such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), morals of teenagers, and factors contributing to the disintegration of family institutions.
Deputy Director of Family, Social and Community Development Division, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Dr. Mohd Izwan Md Yusof, said we must also look at the mental and psychological factors which have led to the increase of LGBT issues, and we must not focus on religious factors alone.
Family Therapy expert, Singapore Muslim Women’s Association, Maimunah Mosli, and Counselor of Madani Mental Health Care Indonesia, Ginanjar Maulana Fathurahman, both concluded that the inability to be independent and financial factors are some of the reasons contributing to the disintegration of family institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second forum discussed the topic ‘Volunteers as Frontliners’ emphasising the meaning of real volunteerism and how some irresponsible parties use volunteering activities as a mere show for selfish gains.
Delving further on the issue of whether it fits for volunteers to be hailed as frontliners during the pandemic, the Founder and Chairperson of ‘Yayasan Peduli Sahabat Indonesia’ Association, Agung Sugiarto, said volunteers are always ready to assist not just during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also at any other time or situation that requires help.
President of Briged Bakti Malaysia, Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Kechik, did not deny the fact that there are those who try to find popularity through volunteering activities, and he stressed on the point that welfare activities should be done sincerely and not for selfish gains.
President of the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association, Rahayu Mohamad, said volunteerism, which is a mere show could be curbed through a more effective management system from organisations. - UPM
