IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, graced the Nusantara Charity Dinner with Datuk M Nasir, organised by Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang, at the Ipoh Convention Centre here last night.
The Sultan was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.
The dinner with the music maestro was held to raise funds for the club’s planned activities and programmes.
Their Majesties’ arrival at the event, attended by about 1,400 guests, was welcomed by Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang president Muhammad Hamzah Md Hamdan and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Also in attendance were State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, State Financial Officer Datuk Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, and State Legal Adviser Datuk Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin.
Following the dinner, guests were entertained by seven songs performed by Datuk M Nasir.
He performed hits such as Semerah Padi, Ada, Tanya Sama Itu Hud Hud, Hati Emas, Mustika, Bonda, and concluded with Satu Hari Di Hari Raya.
In his speech, Muhammad Hamzah said this year’s dinner broke tradition as there was no presidential proclamation, as the club’s committee had unanimously extended his tenure as president for the 2024 term to also cover 2025.
He said the club would embark on a new direction in 2025, aligning with the state government’s efforts, including raising awareness on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways.
Muhammad Hamzah also sought Sultan Nazrin’s consent for Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang to play a role in the upcoming celebration marking the 500th anniversary of the Perak Sultanate.
“As Perak stands on the cusp of celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Perak Sultanate, the club humbly seeks Your Majesty’s gracious consent to be granted a small role in this celebration.
“Hopefully, with this small role, we can help enliven the festivities,” he said.
Muhammad Hamzah added that the club had always received unwavering cooperation from the state government, including contributions from state government-linked companies to ensure the success of the charity dinner.
“For this event, several private companies comprising club members generously sponsored key tables, including an international company based in Canada,” he said.
The event also selected 10 organisations—including orphanages, educational centres, an orphan student fund, an association for persons with disabilities (OKU), and a religious school (maahad tahfiz)—to receive a total contribution of RM150,000.
The evening also witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Kelab Bakti Gunung Keledang and several bodies, including the Ipoh City Council, the Community Development Department, and Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah.
Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara departed after the event concluded around 11pm.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
