Honouring DG & PDGs

Region 5 Lions and Lioness Clubs 

It is not unusual for the Lions fraternity to honour the District Governors. On Valentine’s Day in 1998, I was pleasantly delighted to be invited by the Lions Clubs of Region 5 for such a loving gesture. Past District Governors were also invited. It was a joint effort by Lions of Ipoh and Cameron Highlands.

Region 5 Chairman (LC Ipoh Host) Hudson Hah kindly offered to drive me to Brinchang.  RC Hudson was a skillful driver and was obviously familiar with the turns and corners of the winding trip. And he drove like a Malaysian Jackie Stewart! The usual 2 hour drive from Ipoh to Brinchang took just an hour! While he was cool and collected, I was perspiring cold sweat. The burst of speed and spins had me clutching firmly onto the leather seat grip.

What a relief (!!!) to see the welcoming face of Cameron Highlands Lion President Yee Shan Kon at Hotel Rosa Pasadena. Yee, who ran the Rosa Pasadena, offered me a lovely suite. 

The dinner was well organised and I thanked those present for honoring me. I believed the people who should be honored are other Lions who had put in their best efforts and contributions to make the needy better. I felt I was just representing all of the Lions instead of speaking as an individual.   

It was a memorable evening as organisers had invited the local aborigines to entertain us with music, dances and songs. The cool weather and highland air were added bonuses. 

Extract of Speech:

"..while I accept the honor shown by you, I would like to share the honor with all of you. As we all know, Lionism is a true spirit of teamwork and demonstration of the strong loving character of the members and volunteers. The district governor alone will not be able to achieve all the wonderful projects and carry out all the kindheartedness throughout the country. It is as much your contributions and dedications which make all the events possible. As such I think the honor should be equally share with you..."

The Aborigine bamboo entertainment

The Aboriginal Traditional Ceremony Dance

At the end of the evening, I was presented with a big basket of the highland’s fresh fruits and vegetables. I shared the big basket with a few Lions. And nervously thought of the downhill drive back to Ipoh the next morning!

Region 1 Lions Clubs and Lioness Club

The Lions Clubs and Lioness Club of Penang in Region 1, my home turf, pooled their resources together to organize a lovely dinner to honour me at Cititel on 14^th March 1998.  I was truly touched as it was obvious that the Region 1 Chairman, Ong Chin Seng and the Clubs wanted it to be a double celebration. It was my birthday too!

All the Lions Clubs and Lioness Club Presidents were impeccably dressed in dark suits. Every one of them took to the podium to recite a quote or a saying in my honour. The phrases, though short, tugged at my heartstrings. They then gave me a 4ft by 4ft classical Chinese painting.

(From RH to LH) R1C Ong Chin Seng, DG Allan Cheah, Lion Lady Lucy Chuah and Lion Lady Soo See

Lady Lion Soo See presented a bouquet of flowers to Lady Lion Lucy

It was a wonderful fellowship night with singing, light-hearted banter and good food. The Lions and Lionesses assisted by the hotel staff rolled up a beautiful birthday cake towards the end of the function. Everyone sang the birthday song and merry laughter ruled the night. It was such a heart-warming gesture to have friends celebrate your birthday with you!  

Extract of Speech: "...it is especially true during the last one year that we, as a nation, are faced with economic crisis as in other parts of the region. We need to deal with these issues either in our line of work or business in addition to affecting many others in our family and friends. For us to be able to come true with such wonderful results during hard times like now demonstrates the fact that we should be proud of ourselves for our accomplishments. This honour goes to you, the family of Lions as well..."

Region 4 - Taiping

Region 4 Lions welcomed DG Allan Cheah and wife Lucy.

Region 4 Chairman R. Sivalingam initiated a Fellowship Nite in Taiping on 21^st March 1998. The Lions Club of Krian, Taiping, Sitiawan and Kuala Kangsar, together with the Lioness Club of Sitiawan converge at Legend Inn to discuss club matters and Lionism. 

Dialogue session  (From LH to RH) R4C R. Silvalingam, DC IU Dato Choon, DG Allan Cheah, PDG Oon Peng Nam and Z8C Dr. Fong Loon Foon

The clubs honoured me with a meaningful citation of my contribution as District Governor for the fiscal year 1997-1998. Later, each Club President presented me with a memento. 

Taiping Lion President Steven Lim

Sitiawan Lion President Neoh Aik Huat 

Sitiawan Lioness President Grace Siamala 

            

Extract of Speech: "...a big thank you to all of you and keep up the spirit and good work. We shall all remember that the good deeds done will always generate more good deeds around us..."

Khalil Gibran says it best: In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things, the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.