Movement nurtures discipline, self-esteem, integrity and loyalty among youths beyond classroom learning: Media firm director
KUALA LUMPUR: The Scouts movement is one of the best forms of non-formal education in life, especially for the young, said Berjaya Media Bhd executive director Datuk Seri Azman Ujang.
He told theSun that Scouts emphasise training in discipline, self-esteem, integrity and the spirit of loyalty to King and country.
“This forms the core values of the Scouts, which is a well-known global organisation that has existed for more than a century.
“The Scouts movement will always be close to my heart. I became a Boy Scout during my primary school years at the Good Shepherd School in Marudi, Sarawak in the 1960s,” he said.
Azman was among 35 individuals from various fields who received appointment letters as members of the National Scouts Council from National Chief Scout of Malaysia Major-General Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Zin Bidin at the council’s headquarters here on Saturday.
He said the Scouts movement was the only extra-curricular activity available then for schoolboys.
“My favourite activity was overnight camping in secluded spots, during which we learnt at an early age lessons on how to face hardship situations and fears.
“And there was no real peer pressure. It was actually the in thing to do at the time as we were growing up.
“As a Boy Scout, the motive was not to advance in rank but to enhance our own personal character and wellbeing,” he said.
When asked what he had gained most from joining the Scouts, Azman said it was training in self-discipline and always being law-abiding.
“To add other important aspects that I have gained… is to always give your best in whatever you do.
“No 50-50 or half-hearted effort. This has been my guiding principle as I rose through the ranks from the lowest to the highest position in my 41 years of service at the National News Agency (Bernama).
“In 2017, I received the Sabah Chief Scout award and I regard the appointment as a member of the Malaysian Scouts Federation on Saturday as a proud personal honour,” he added.
At the ceremony, among other notable recipients of appointment letters as members of the National Scouts Council was Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul.
The event also witnessed National Adult in Scouting commissioner Prof Dr Mustaffa Ibrahim being appointed as administrative and governance commissioner as well as the presentation of credentials to several national commissioners and national headquarters commissioners.
Earlier in his speech, Mohd Zin described the newly appointed leaders as “agents of change” and “architects of the future”, carrying significant responsibility in shaping Malaysian youth development.
He said the ceremony marked the start of a new era of more dynamic Scout leadership, in line with the council’s commitment to support national aspirations.
“I am confident in the strong commitment of all Malaysian Scouts Association (PPM) members and that the Scouts movement would not only achieve the targets of the strategic plan but also exceed expectations.
“We are committed to supporting the aspirations of Malaysia Madani by incorporating the core values of sustainability, wellbeing, creativity, respect, confidence and compassion into every aspect of our operations.
“Let’s work together to make PPM ‘from good to great’ in playing its role as a positive force that transforms lives, builds communities and creates a brighter future,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were PPM deputy president Datuk Ahmad Shazily Ismail Bakti and its acting chief commissioner Dr Mohammed Mukhyuddin Sarwani.
