Three at the helm: Anwar (centre) sharing a cheerful moment with Ahmad Zahid (left) and Fadillah during the anniversary programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of visitors who attended the Two Years of Madani Government Programme and 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform were thrilled by the carnival-like atmosphere, complete with a free flow of freebies, lucky draws and entertainment.
In addition to indulging in food and drinks at booths run by entrepreneurs, visitors got a glimpse into the roles of various government agencies, including enforcement and security bodies such as the military, Prisons Department and the police force.
Ending later today, the three-day anniversary celebration held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre also saw visits by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Among the top attractions was a helmet exchange booth, where visitors could trade in their old helmets for brand new ones.
Another crowd favourite was the police traffic summons payment booth, offering discounts of up to 60% on fines.
Retired teacher A. Gunasegaran, 68, said he had come to settle the traffic summons received by his family members and was delighted by the discounts.
“The service at the police booth was excellent. I saved over RM1,500, which is a lot of money,” he said.
Also drawing large crowds was the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry’s booth, where lucky draws were held throughout the day.
Safety first: Visitors holding their new helmets near an exchange counter during the anniversary programme at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia students Nurmaisarah Rosli Fadzil and Nur Nabilah Insyirah Mohammad Rizal, both aged 21, were spotted carrying tote bags filled with freebies such as notebooks, pens, souvenirs, and catalogues.
“We came here with our university mates and were surprised to see so many booths. We learnt a lot about the functions and roles of government agencies, and we were especially impressed with the military booths.
“It was so informative, and we received many freebies,” said Nurmaisarah.
Nur Nabilah said she visited the Health Ministry’s booth and took the opportunity to undergo a free basic health evaluation.
“We are really glad we came here. We learnt so much, and I am happy with the Madani government, which I think has done well in its first two years,” she said.
Former civil servant Tan Kee Hock, 70, who attended the event with his wife, expressed his satisfaction with the event.
Asked about the Madani government’s initiatives, Tan said: “I am happy with what PM Anwar has done, especially his stance against corruption. He is doing his best to keep the cost of living affordable. I hope the government continues the momentum of reform.”
Goodies galore: nurmaisarah rosli (right) and nur nabilah Insyirah showing off their tote bags full of freebies.
Siti Norafira Mohd Daud, carrying a large wrapped box, said her seven-year-old son won the mystery prize in a reading competition at the Health Ministry’s booth.
“I came here with my son and husband to exchange helmets and then decided to stop by the ministry’s booth for a health check-up. Then my son won a gift. We are really thrilled,” she said.
Regarding the Madani government’s performance, Siti Norafira said she hopes the government will continue its initiatives for the well-being of the people.
Retired government servant KRN Pakrisamy, 78, who was seen donning a free baseball cap from one of the participating agencies, said he had travelled alone on the LRT from Petaling Jaya to show his support for the Madani government.
Mohd Radzi Mohd Shukri, 37, from Wangsa Maju, who arrived with his wife and three young children at about 2pm, said he was excited to visit the job fair at the event.
“Such events bring the civil servants closer to the public letting us learn more about their functions in the administration. This should be an annual event, as it is appears to receive very good support from the public,” he said.
