IT was a double joy for the newly appointed Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Chan Soon Aun who he was conferred the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN) award during a state investiture ceremony in Dewan Sri Pinang on Monday.
Popularly known as ‘Cikgu Chan’ due to his previous profession as a teacher, he has served under Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin for the past two terms.
Fluent in Bahasa Melayu language, Chan is highly regarded among the Bayan Baru residents for his tireless effort in assisting them with local issues.
Having been on the ground, tirelessly aiding the locals for some time now, Chan was overjoyed to receive the award.
“I simply did not expect to get this recognition, especially from the state, after my two terms of service.
“This recognition will spur me to strive harder to assist the locals in my new role as an MBPP councillor.
“At least, I am proud of my achievement and now my family can better understand the sacrifices I have made for society.
“In my new role as a councillor, I would do my best for the people when it comes to solving local issues,” he told Buletin Mutiara when approached.
In a parallel development, Service Civil International Penang Chapter president Datuk Athimulam Arjunan expressed his deep sense of honour after being conferred with Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) which carries the ‘Dato’ title.
Under his stewardship since 2015, Athimulam has undertaken efforts to promote the SCI caused in Penang through activities and workshops, notably the Penang Peace Run which he has overseen for the past 24 years.
In collaboration with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Penang Peace Run held in June, saw the participation of 400 physically and mentally disabled individuals, thanks to the free entry provided by Athimulam’s organisation.
“The run aimed to create bonds between the able and disabled participants and strengthen
“Furthermore, we (speaking on behalf of SCI) have also conducted services at old folk’s homes in Penang.
“We have also been active in the crisis and disaster scene by aiding and gathering volunteers whenever such events arise.” he said.
Meanwhile, The Star journalist Raja Sekaran thanked the state after being conferred Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT).
“I am grateful for the recognition given to me for my hard work,” he said, adding that he would contribute more in the future.
Story by Edmund Lee and Norman Sim
Pix by Siew Chia En and Siti Nuratikah Rahmat