Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS), under the visionary leadership of President Manjeet Kaur Sidhu, stands as a shining example of dedication to nation-building in Sarawak.
PPIS’ journey began with a commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering inclusivity in the region.
Its motivation is grounded in the belief that every individual, regardless of their background or legal status, should have access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, and a sense of belonging within the nation.
As such, Manjeet stated that PPIS envisions a diverse and united Sarawak community in which every child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to society.
“By focusing on stateless children, we believe that our efforts contribute significantly to the broader goal of nation-building.
“Empowering stateless children with education and healthcare not only ensures their wellbeing, but also cultivates active and engaged citizens who can contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,” she said to New Sarawak Tribune.
Providing stateless children with education, healthcare
Under her leadership, PPIS, as one of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing stateless children with education and healthcare.
PPIS has a comprehensive approach to addressing the distinctive challenges that stateless children encounter when accessing education and healthcare in Sarawak.
“PPIS recognises the unique challenges faced by stateless children in accessing education and healthcare.
“To address these challenges, we have undertaken several initiatives and programmes.
“One such initiative is the provision of educational support, which includes tuition classes, school supplies, and scholarships for stateless children,” she said.
Additionally, PPIS works closely with healthcare providers to guarantee that stateless children receive essential healthcare services.
In its mission to improve the lives of stateless children, PPIS collaborates with government agencies and engages with local communities to raise awareness about the unique challenges these children face.
Furthermore, the organisation actively advocates for policy changes that can enhance the access of stateless children to education and healthcare, thus contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Impactful efforts transform lives, communities
Through their unwavering commitment, PPIS has witnessed numerous success stories and remarkable outcomes that are shaping a brighter future for these vulnerable individuals.
One of the most inspiring aspects of PPIS’ work is the transformation of stateless children who have received support from the organisation.
“Many stateless children who received education support from PPIS have gone on to excel academically and pursue higher education.
“These success stories not only transform the lives of these children but also inspire hope within their communities,” she said.
However, PPIS’ impact goes beyond the individual. Its efforts have caused a ripple effect within communities.
As residents from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds come together to support stateless children, a sense of unity and cooperation has blossomed.
This inclusive approach not only benefits stateless children but also fosters a more harmonious and interconnected community.
Fostering harmony, inclusivity
Furthermore, PPIS’ efforts have played a pivotal role in promoting unity and cooperation among Sarawak’s various ethnic and cultural groups.
The organisation’s programmes and initiatives are intentionally designed to be inclusive, involving members from various communities in Sarawak in its efforts to support stateless children.
This collaborative approach encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to recognise their shared humanity and the significance of extending assistance to those in need, regardless of ethnicity or legal status.
“By working together, people from different backgrounds learn to appreciate their shared humanity and the importance of helping those in need, irrespective of their ethnicity or legal status,” said Manjeet.
She shared that PPIS also actively facilitates dialogue and cultural exchange among these communities, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
“Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the broader goal of nation-building by building a more harmonious and united Sarawak,” she added.
Advocating policy changes, inclusivity
In her capacity as the president of PPIS, Manjeet stands as a staunch advocate for the rights of stateless children.
Her vision encompasses several crucial policy changes and enhancements to effectively address the issue of statelessness in Sarawak and Malaysia.
These include simplifying legal pathways for stateless children to obtain citizenship, increasing public awareness, fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and communities, and advocating for policy reforms that ensure stateless children have equal opportunities for a brighter future.
She advocates for the simplification and streamlining of the process for stateless children to attain legal status and citizenship.
Such reforms would ensure their access to essential rights, including education and healthcare.
Furthermore, Manjeet placed a strong emphasis on the importance of increasing public awareness of the challenges faced by stateless children, as well as the importance of inclusivity.
This heightened awareness can serve as a catalyst for garnering support for these vulnerable individuals.
She would also like to encourage greater collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, which is a cornerstone of her approach.
“Such collaborations can create more holistic and efficient support system for stateless children,” she said.
She actively advocated for policy reforms to ensure stateless children are not marginalised and have equal opportunities to secure a brighter future.
Through these efforts, she aspires to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society, that is consistent with the principles of nation-building.
Manjeet’s unwavering commitment, coupled with the impactful initiatives of PPIS, is actively contributing to the process of nation-building.
Together, they are fostering a society in Sarawak that embodies inclusivity and equity, promoting unity and cooperation among its diverse communities.
