Malaysian Mothers, Exceptional Mothers 07 April 2008
This year, Mother’s Day in Malaysia will be a little different than previous years. Undoubtedly some mothers will be indulged at their children’s homes, treated to special meals unlike the norm, but something even better than this is also in store this year.
Perhaps on that day (11 May) mothers will take a break from doing household chores that they normally attend to and get a chance to watch their husbands and children ‘toil’ at completing the housework.
But what’s even more special this year is the fact that one exceptional mother will be presented with the ‘Malaysian Mother’ award sponsored by the Islamic Da’wah Foundation Malaysia (YADIM) as a means to appreciate and elevate the status this group, in a ceremony scheduled on the 10th of June.
The ceremony will be graced by Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permasisuri Agung, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, and around 4,000 guests are expected to attend.
This award is unique in that its candidacy is open to all mothers in Malaysia, regardless of their background, religion or ethnicity.
What also differentiates the ‘Malaysian Mother’ award from the ‘Exemplary Mother’ award, which is also sponsored by YADIM, is that the ‘Malaysian Mother’ will also take into consideration the contributions made by the candidates to the community as well as the nation.
This is because this award symbolizes and recognises all the hard work done by mothers in this country in order to raise and nurture children of this the nation.
Hence, it will take into consideration every aspect closely related to Malaysia. During a press conference announcing the award, YADIM’s President, Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad, said the winner should truly symbolize and embody characteristics that reflects a woman of this nation.
“We will look into all aspects to ensure that the winner is someone who truly embodies and symbolizes this country, so if there is a candidate, for example, who cannot speak the Malay Language, then unfortunately they will not be chosen,” he explained.
However, the creation of this award does not mean that its predecessor, the ‘Exemplary Mother’ award, which has been held since 1980, will be discontinued. In fact, it demonstrates how YADIM’s efforts and missionary work is not only limited to the Muslim community of this country, but also to the people as a whole.
This new award also demonstrates how the organization treats everyone fairly and strives to include all parties in its implementation.
For example, the panel of judges that will be selecting candidates for this award comprises of academicians, clerics, leaders from various fields, professionals, representatives from non-government organization and statutory agencies from various fields, with various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
BASIC CRITERIA
Among the criterions to be evaluated for candidacy include:
1. Married, with children, either a single parent or with a husband.
2. Open to all Malaysia citizens.
3. Not necessarily with a high educational background.
4. Has children who are successful and who possess good morals.
5. Successful in her field or recognized for her talent and contribution to the community and the country.
6. Truly embodies characteristics of a Malaysian.
CATEGORIES
There are three categories to be won. They are the ‘Excellent Mother’ award, the ‘Glorious Mother’ award and last, but not least, the ‘Exceptional Mother’ award.
Five winners will be chosen under the ‘Excellent Mother’ category, three under the ‘Glorious Mother’ category, and one deserving winner will receive the ‘Exceptional Mother’ title.
The key criterion for the ‘Excellent Mother’ award is mothers who have successfully born, raised and nurtured their children despite all kinds of challenges and obstacles.
The three winners for the ‘Glorious Mother’ award will need to possess the criteria for the ‘Excellent Mother’ award, and have also given a valuable contribution to the surrounding community where she lives.
This achievement is important as not many are able to give attention and develop a happy family whilst getting actively involved and contributing to the community at the same time.
The ultimate winner who will receive the ‘Exceptional Mother’ award, which is the highlight of the Malaysian Mothers award ceremony, will be judged and must fulfil the criteria for the two awards mentioned earlier and in addition, must also be an individual who is known by many, either through her contribution or service to the country.
THEME
The theme for this award ceremony is ‘Malaysian Mothers, Excellent Mothers’. It was chosen so as to recognize the sincerity, love, sacrifice and contribution by mothers to raise good children.
This award also aims to counter balance the increasing number of entertainment award shows and programmes of late. Not only are we presented with programmes from abroad such as the Grammy or Oscar ceremonies, in fact there are those who compete with each other to create similar award ceremonies locally as well.
Such programmes have clearly received outstanding response from the public, especially among the younger generation. Media coverage on such programmes typically begins even before the programme is on air. Each media quick to predict which artists will win, and not only that, stories of those who win continues to be covered and promoted even after the programme has ended.
This is in contrast to awards which carry noble values such as the ‘Malaysian Mother’ award, whereby a majority of the media and the community only seem to realise its existence when the ceremony is taking place, even though its benefits and value is far more significant and brings more meaning in life.
However, despite it all, we must be grateful that there are still some organisations and groups that are aware of the importance of such awards. The generosity of sponsors such as Sendayu Tinggi Corporation, BERNAS, System Consultancy, Darul Fikir, Kumpulan Karangkraf, Syarikat Penerbangan Malaysia, TH Travel and Services, Nestle and many others are highly commendable.
It is hoped that many more such groups will emerge and contribute in all aspects, and not only when there are programmes and award ceremonies.
NOTE: Rules, regulations and nomination forms can be found on the YADIM website and closing date for nominations is on 31 March 2008. Any inquiries can be forwarded via e-mail through the website.
Islamic Da'wah Foundation Malaysia ,
Kompleks Pusat Islam, Jalan Perdana
50480, Kuala Lumpur Tel : 603-22746077 Fax : 603-22732330
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