KUALA NERANG, January 2- Government retirees in various sectors are encouraged to join associations or cooperatives to enable them to continue to contribute ideas and service to the community.

Deputy Dean of the Ghazali Shafie Graduate School Of Government (GSGSG) Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Associate Dr. Kamarul Azman Khamis said the expertise and skills possessed by retirees will not only add value to associations or cooperatives.

In addition, it can help associations and cooperatives to approach the community by implementing various activities and programs as well as strengthening brotherhood among the community consisting of various backgrounds.

He said, it is in line with the government's desire for all parties to be able to play a more proactive role in contributing to the development of the country in both the economic and social fields.

"I also see that these government retirees need to be given attention also in realizing the government's wishes where (for example) if KUPEKMAS in Padang Terap District, their involvement is quite lively where among the police, soldiers, teachers and so on are also involved, also together in KUPEKMAS association.

"It is hoped that retirees from various states and districts will join together in forming an NGO (non-governmental organization) cooperative in helping the government realize the wishes of the Unity Government that exists today," he said.

He said this after officiating the Padang Terap District KUPEKMAS Special Meeting in Barohkas Village, Kuala Nerang, Kedah.