KUALA LUMPUR: When prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye decided to chronicle his lifetime of services to the people via his autobiography, he had only one intention - that is to inspire greater participation among the younger generation to take part in volunteer activities.
Lee said his biography titled "Call Lee Lam Thye: Recalling a Lifetime of Service", which is now available in four languages, has nothing to do with glorifying his contributions to the country.
The Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) chairman added that his autobiography aims to pay homage to the spirit of philanthropy and unity embodied by individuals like Dr Leela Ratos and Datuk Antony Ratos today at the Dr Leela Ratos Clinical Centre.
Lee expressed his hope that by sharing his perspectives on charity and how people can actively help the society through charitable acts as highlighted in his autobiography, it would encourage more younger generation will take part in volunteerism.
"And I think there are many more steps that need to be taken to increase the level of awareness among the community, especially the younger generation about the contribution they can make for the community, for their friends, for the people who are in need of charity, for the poor, for those who needed assistance.
"There are many things that need to be done as (to get more younger generation to take part in) charity (programmes)," said the 77-year-old former member of parliament said in his speech today.
He also highlighted the pressing nature of contemporary issues in the country, particularly environmental concerns like climate change and flooding.
"We have problems regarding climate change, floods, and many more. So in this situation, we do need a strong spirit of charity.
"I hope that through my book, I can implement the values of charity among the generation so that they can be aware of the work of charity.
"And finally, the purpose of my book is to share my views with the people on certain issues, such as the issue of charity, such as the issue of national integration, such as the issue of national security, the issue of mental health."
When his autobiography was published on June 22, Lee had pledged that the net proceeds from the sale of book would be donated to charity.
Keeping his promise and true to his word, some RM100,000 from the sales of his autobiography had been donated to various organisations, including the Malaysian Association for the Blind and Pure Life Society.
