SHAH ALAM, 1 Jan: More than 140,000 people from all walks of life, thronged Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam to enliven the ‘Jom Santai Bersama GeMS’ Programme organised by the State Government in conjunction with the 2013 threshold here, last night.
GeMS Programme – Generasi Idaman Selangor (Selangor Ideal Generation Programme), was held to celebrate the approach of the new year with a religious theme and a relaxed nature.
It clearly received overwhelming response and it gave new impetus to the organisation of the ceremony.
Firstly, the programme lasted for three days starting from 29 to 31 December with a variety of exciting programmes including the Selangor Education Carnival – EduSEL Fair 2012.
Apart from that, a leisurely talk entitled ‘SPIES to shape a harmonious society’ was held, featuring Dr Ruziah Ghazali, Ustaz Shukri Yunus and Ustaz Fauzi Mustafa.
The ‘Jom Bercinta’ (Let’s Love) forum was panelled by Ustazah Fatimah Syarha and actor Shasul Ghau-Ghau and there was an academic talk with Ustaz Datuk Ismail Kamus.
Meanwhile, at the peak of the celebrations, a 2013 Threshold celebration programme was held with poetry performances from actress Diana Amir and a Relaxed Chat was held with Ustaz Azhar Idrus, Ustaz Haslin ‘Bollywood’, Datuk Malek Noor, Kamal Adli, Pierre Andre and Aziz M. Osman.
The gathering of religious groups from the old generation and the new, as well as popular artists, managed to draw the attention of visitors to follow the ceremony from the beginning to the end.
In fact, when the new year celebrations that ended at 1am with Nasyid singing of ‘Asma UI Husna’ by all invited and the State Excutive Councillor, Halimah Ali, Dr Yakoob Sapari and Rodziah Ismail, Dr Yunus Hairi and State AMK Chied, Azmizam Zaman Huri.
This was followed by a closing prayer by Ustaz Azhar Idrus.
Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco, Dr Halimah Ali, when met after the ceremony, said that she was satisfied with the response given by the people of the state.
She said that this approach used by the State Government is clearly accepted by the people.
“By using artists and infusing elements of religion to reach the young people, it was clearly successful.
“Alhamdulillah, the response this time is more than last year. Not only the young people, but even the elderly came to enliven the occasion.
“This is part of the anti-adultery programme, so if the State Government does not manage needs, interests, tastes, characteristics of young people towards programmes that are positive in nature, they will be attracted to negative programmes and subsequently be drawn to social problems,” she said.
She added that the State Government that is administered by Pakatan Rakyat will continue to ensure that the people of the state benefits from what is being carried out.
“If we maintain our leadership of Selangor, the people need not worry because Pakatan Rakyat will ensure that cultural heritage, art and religion will continue to be fought for.
Mohd Lazim Mustafa, 52, a visitor, said that the 2013 threshold celebrations which was held this year was more lively than the previous year.
“Alhamdulilah, this year there are more people. What is more important is that I see that there are many activities and beneficial programmes implemented in this year’s organisation,” he said.
Apart from that, for Rosmawati Kamaruddin, 33, she said that she saw that the programmes that are more scholarly benefits people from all walks of life.
“From what I see, the programmes this time benefits not only the young but also the elderly as well as children. People from all walks of life can benefit from the activities carried out by the State Government,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ikhwan Mojhtar, 23, hopes that scholarly programmes like this will continue to be held in the future.
“Even as a youngster, I chose to attend this programme organised by the State Government compared to entertainment programmes organised by other parties.
“For me it is because I felt calmer. This is the second year that I am attending this Selangor new year’s celebrations. Alhamdulilah, I see more youngsters attend (the celebrations),” he said.