Lions Club of Cameron Highlands
20th December 1997, it's the Christmas season. I accepted an invitation by the Lions Club of Cameron Highlands to their 9th Annual Charity Ball. The club had sent me the programme earlier. It looked interesting and I looked forward to the slots I had to partake. So, I drove my new Peugeot with my wife, Lucy at my side. We took the old narrow and winding road from Tapah.
First on the list was an environmental project. The club would launch a “plant a tree” campaign. As we approached Tanah Rata, I was met by a group of Lions and a big banner highlighting the eco-project at an open field.
I met up with the Lions President Dato Yee Shan Kon and Captain Zainal Haji Thambi. They gave me the honor of planting my first tree sapling. The tree planting ceremony was to commemorate my visit to Cameron Highlands and their club. No speeches but instead “green” the world. The Lions, including Lucy, then took turns to plant the saplings at designated spots in the field. It was a nice feeling as trees represent life, growth, peace, and nature. A world of trees is necessary for our dear survival, for trees are the green lungs of Mother Earth!
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Extract of speech: "...the environmental project has brought awareness to the community of what Lions clubs were doing. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure our air is clean otherwise we will have to pay a very heavy price in terms of poor health. I hope all other NGOs and Malaysian will take environmental issues seriously. Let the Lions be committed to protect our environment. Well done! LC Cameron Highlands."
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| Lucy planting the sapling. |
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| President Dato' Yee and Lion Zainal made sure that the plant was in position. |
After the project, the Lions took us for a tour of the once pristine green highlands that is in real want of proper conservation. Vast patches of cleared land and indications of erosion were evident. I was proud that our Lions had done their bit but much, much more conservation projects needed to be initiated. Perhaps, a Green master plan for the highlands.
We had English tea at the famous Boh Tea plantation that was founded in 1929! The magnificent restaurant’s verandah was perched on high ground overlooking endless rows upon rows of terraced tea plants. Home-made muffins, scones, strawberry jam, and a cuppa of their famous black tea! At the factory, we saw how tea leaves were being dried in the oven and later separated into different grades by special “vibration” machines. We also toured a strawberry farm and a rose garden full of colourful roses and carnations.
Before sunset, we returned to the majestic Equatorial Hill Resort at Brinchang to dress up for the evening’s grand ball. From the windows of my room, I could see a long line of cars from afar taking the serpentine road to the resort. The Lions were coming! Many had driven from Perak and Pahang for the gala nite.
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| Presenting my personal pin to President Yee. |
The dinner started with protocol and speeches. Finally, the charity ‘ball’ started rolling. An auction was the highlight of the ‘ball’. Door gifts and lucky draws were given out generously as were the drinks. Whiskey on the rocks made my day under the cold temperatures. It was a night of dance and merriment, and most importantly, the Lions raised a significant amount for charity. I felt tired and left the function before it was over.
Extract of Speech:
"..There is a saying that charity begins at home. This is true but I also believe that many people define home too narrowly, limiting the home to the space within four walls they happen to stay in. Our home is in the community we love and our family is all the people in it...."
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| Club Secretary Tang Kar Seng received my personal pin. |
Later, I presented a token pin to Lion President Dato' Yee and Lion Captain Zainal. The special pin has the 3 pillars insignia of Lionism: Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.
The following day, I attended the LC of Cameron Highland’s Business Meeting. I was briefed on their projects and activities. I commended the club for adopting a Leo program and that the Leo Advisor should attend Leo meetings regularly. I encouraged them to have joint activities with other Lions clubs in the region so that they can serve better to benefit the community.
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| Business Meeting in progress. |
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