Closure of Pusat Berdikari Seremban

A symbolic meeting was held this morning to formally close the work of Pusat Berdikari Seremban. Over the past 5 months Persatuan had gradually taken over Pusat's work and it is fitting to end this chapter of Pusat and hand over the work completely to Persatuan. Several resolutions were passed and the chairman gave his closing address below.

It gives me great pleasure, honor and privilege to deliver this closing address of Pusat Berdikari Seremban. 10 years and 6 months ago I remember attending the dedication service of this training centre officiated by the late Rev. Paul George Ponniah on 31st May 1998, 5.30pm. On 1st June 1998, PBS was officially launched with 17 trainees under the care of a staff trainer and a group of 13 volunteers.

From the time when the idea of setting up this centre was mooted by the Social Concerns Committee of Wesley Methodist Church Seremban to the LCEC on 23rd May 1996 to its inception, much work had been put in by both the church leadership and Malaysian Care who undertook the advisory role in setting up of the centre, putting a workable system in place and training the trainers and volunteers. No single party is more important than the others, all play important roles in ensuring that PBS was safely delivered and nurtured. We thank God that we enjoyed unity and passion in this work.

Over the years we have realized our vision of training self reliance to many of our trainees. In so doing we have indeed changed their lives for the better. And this is our reward, to be part of the life-changing process.

Unlike some of similar centres which choose to take the route of immediate registration as societies, PBS chose to remain within the church and waited for the right timing which came 10 years later. Therefore, when PBS celebrated her 10th anniversary on 5th July 2008, it was a fitting closure to a social ministry that began quietly, grew steadily and then blossomed into a butterfly to enable it to grow further.

Persatuan Berdikari Seremban owes to Pusat Berdikari Seremban the solid foundation it is built upon. Although about the same team takes over the helm, history will record how Persatuan’s work could not have been this smooth and strong if not for the early vision and efforts of its pioneers and founders.

In this closing address I wish to put on record my appreciation to every one of them. PBS shall find a place in the history of Wesley Methodist Church Seremban as the fore-runner of Persatuan Berdikai Seremban. On this note I wish to commit the continuing work to God for His onward blessing and shelter as we bring hope and joy to the learning disabled people who enter our doors.

To God be the Glory! Thank you.

The following members attended the meeting: