I had just returned from the Lions International Convention and was raring to prove my worth as the District Governor of 308B. Two invitation cards were quietly tucked in my diary, one from the Lions Club of Kota Budaya and another from the Lions Club of Kota Baru. So, KB, here I come! I opted for the short but rather choppy flight on a small and narrow Fokker Friendship against a six-hour arduous journey by car to Kota Baru.
Lions Club of Kota Budaya
At the airport Lion Andrew Lim Kim Fatt, the President of the Lions Club of Kota Budaya and his Board of Directors greeted me. VDG Chee Boon Leong, Z5C Tan Kok Hooi and DC Kelvin Yeap were there.
They had booked a night’s stay for me at the downtown Corner Hotel. After freshening up, the easygoing Lions drove me to the Chinese Assembly Hall where the Installation Ceremony took place.
Two bright furry “lions” danced and pranced to the beat of the drums and clanging cymbals. A thunderous welcome for me and the guests!
After the installation ceremony of President Andrew Lim and his Board of Directors; an induction of two new members was carried out.
Later, Emcee Nor Maziah Yaacob set the mood with introductions, light comments, and protocols. Some 200 people were present, amongst them my cabinet officers! They had taken the long drive from Kuantan via Kuala Terengganu. Such dedication! Residents from Kota Baru Spastic Centre are invited too.
The Club raised a whopping RM95,000.00 during an auction. The money will be used to help the various charities in Kelantan.
I chanced upon an acquaintance with Dr Yao Sik Chi. This Kota Baru Health Department official told me that the Lions Clubs worked closely with his department on the sight conservation programme.
Extract of Speech:
"I am delighted to be here this evening for you giving me this opportunity to be with you and members of your club. While I accept the honour shown by you, I would like to share the honour with all of you for this reason. 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 deals more with district administration and is a representative of LCI. As such, I alone will not be able to achieve all the wonderful projects and carry out all the kindheartedness and dedication which make all the events possible. As such I think the honour should be equally shared with you."
Lions Club of Kota Baru
Day two in Kota Baru was not going to be a walk in the park.
I attended the Kota Budaya Lions Club Business Meeting in the morning. The members were formally attired in their Lions vest. They discussed the many activities and projects that they had planned for the fiscal year.
At noon, I rushed over for a lunch, and later another Business Meeting, hosted by the Lions Club of Kota Baru. Lion President Benedict Cheang presided over the meeting. I commended them on their warm camaraderie and their concern to help the poor and needy.
At 4.00 pm, the meeting was over. “Speedy Gonzalez” zipped back to get his backpack and dashed to the airport to catch the unwelcoming twin turbo propeller plane back to Penang.
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