Izah Azahari
The Wargamas Association has continually made progress for the good of the nation, in line with the goal to unite senior citizens in the Sultanate and to achieve Brunei Vision 2035.
This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin during the launch of the new Wargamas Association headquarters on Friday.
The minister said as one of the top five ASEAN member countries heading towards an ageing population, it is important to ensure that senior citizens are not left behind through efforts to protect their well-being.
“This is a reflection of senior citizens being seen as individuals rich in experience and knowledge, who contribute their ideas and guide current and future generations,” said the minister.
Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan noted that the Elderly Action Plan has been and will be updated regularly to meet the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) strategy that focusses on successful ageing by highlighting the family institution in the care of the elderly.
Among the efforts implemented, said the minister, is the Senior Citizens Care Programme jointly launched by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) with strategic partners in 2020.
So far, 294 senior citizens have been cared for through the programme, with the target at 350, he added.
The minister said through various initiatives and collaboration programmes conducted with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the MCYS, in addition to its membership which has reached 1,000 individuals, the Wargamas Association has proven its maturity as a proactive establishment, capable of self-sufficiency and resilience, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The minister also commended senior citizens for supporting the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, with 100 per cent of the elderly having received two doses of the vaccine, and 74 per cent having been boosted as of Thursday.
“Let us continue the effort until it reaches 100 per cent. So far, senior citizens are examples of vigilant individuals who adhere to national guidelines, who are always protective of the community and most importantly, show generosity in support of the COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said the minister.
“Congratulations to the association and all senior citizens in the Sultanate for the success. You are the source of our pride,” he said.
The minister also said the maintenance of success requires us to move, march and aim in unison. As the eyes and ears of the government, it is hoped the Wargamas Association will continue to promote unity and harmony regardless of whether it is from the association itself, from the Senior Citizens Activity Centre or individuals, for the benefit of senior citizens nationwide.
Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan also called on the association to maximise the potential of various platforms that are made available by the government or private agencies.
“The new headquarters is the latest platform to continue working together to address current challenges in society, health and education, in line with the objectives of the Senior Citizens Action Plan as well as Brunei Vision 2035,” said the minister.
The minister urged for the continuous movement towards unity and cooperation so that senior citizens nationwide can move towards becoming a successful age group.
