Perak Media Weekend Retreat With Retired Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Roshidi Bin Haji Hashim

It was a weekend of fun, rest and recreation, as well as camaraderie at Swiss-Garden Resort, Damai Laut, for some members of the Perak media fraternity, courtesy of retired Ipoh City Mayor, Dato’ Roshidi Bin Haji Hashim.

Joining in the fun was Dato’ Roshidi’s children and grandchildren to add more joy and laughter to a telematch co-ordinated by the resort.

Dato’ Roshidi, who opted for optional retirement at the age of 58, some six years ago, said that his recent Hari Raya Open House, which was attended by some media friends, made him recall the strong ties that he had with the Perak press when he was Ipoh City Mayor.

Indeed, during his tenure as the 8th Datuk Bandar Ipoh, he used to discuss various community issues with Perak news bureau chiefs over a meal; at times breakfast, sometimes lunch and even dinner. He realised the important role played by the press in getting information from the ground, be it at city, state or national level.

Dato’ Roshidi recalled how his tasks were smoother when working hand-in-hand with the press, visiting hot spots like Little India and Gunung Rapat, taking instant action upon receiving complaints from local residents, via the press.

One of Dato’ Roshidi’s legacy as Ipoh City Mayor is the motto: Bersih, Hijau dan Membangun. He also implemented security measures in many areas in the city, by establishing enforcement kiosks, to ensure the safety of residents.

Dato’ Roshidi said that if he had stayed on as Mayor, he would have established more of these enforcement kiosks in a larger area within the city. Additionally, witnessing how “Hijau” (green) and “Membangun” (developing) had a huge impact on the progress of the city and now that Ipoh is already Membangun (developing), it is time to add another adjective to the motto to be: Bersih, Hijau, Membangun dan Selamat.

“Selamat” or “safe” is the keyword that many people seek in a place they call home. As a pensioner himself, Dato’ Roshidi realises how safe, therefore comfortable, it is to live in Ipoh, which he has called home since being transferred to the city in the course of his public service career.

He believes that this feeling of security is what people his age would want, should they choose to retire in Ipoh, too.

Dato’ Roshidi was in public service for 38 years, 7 months and 7 days, holding various positions in different states. He was transferred to the Ipoh City Council from the Perak Menteri Besar’s Office, and subsequently appointed as Ipoh City Mayor on 23rd July, 2008, a promotion from his position as Council Secretary.

In fact, it was the first and only time in the history of the Council that a Secretary rose to the position of Mayor. Dato’ Roshidi is Ipoh’s longest serving Datuk Bandar at 5.5 years.

To wrap up the meaningful programme, which kicked off with a telematch on the beach, Dato’ Roshidi contributed RM1000 from his personal funds to Kelab Sukan & Kebajikan Media Perak (KSKMP).

Event: Perak Media Weekend Retreat With Retired Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Roshidi Bin Haji Hashim
Venue: Swiss-Garden Beach Resort, Damai Laut
Date: 3rd – 4th Aug, 2019

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