35th MD308 Lions Convention & 21st MD308 Lioness Forum
Century Mahkota Hotel, Malacca
17th-20th April, 1997
After a lapse of 10 years, historical Malacca was once again chosen to host the 35th MD308 Lions Convention.
The convention kicked off with a colourful morning parade (an 8 km walk to create the Malaysia Book of Records) in the heart of Malacca. The police were on hand to control the traffic as the VIPs were taken for a joy ride in decorated trishaws to the opening venue. School bands in their smart uniform attire led the way with marching tunes and dances. Multiple Lion dance troupes performed for the 1,500 Lions delegates. A roaring welcome and tribute for the Lions!
The sheer size of the delegates made it impossible for all to congregate in one big hall. So, several venues were allocated. The Opening and Plenary Session and later, the Banquet Dinner was held at S.M. Pay Fong Hall. District 308A and District 308B had their Conventions at Century Ballroom (Hotel Century Mahkota) and Imperial Garden respectively. The Closing Ceremony was held at Century Mahkota Hotel.
Personally, this convention will forever be etched on my memory. I had attended this convention as a Vice District Governor and thereafter, I was elected as the District Governor during the convention. Before the election, a dialogue session was conducted to allow the delegates to “grill” and assess the candidates. Question after question was put forward to us about our future plans as DG. In hindsight, I felt my 35 years of experience as a Lion in various designations proved to be the clincher. When it was finally announced that the delegates had given me the mandate to lead the Lions’ movement in Malaysia, it was truly a Cloud Nine moment for me! I gleefully took to the rostrum to give my acceptance speech. My wife, Lucy also presented a speech in support.
Another historic decision was the unanimous resolution by the delegates to bifurcate the two sub-districts of 308A and 308B into four sub-districts under the MD308. The resolution would take effect during the following year’s Convention. This significant decision indicated that our Lions movement had grown in leaps and bounds, and bifurcation was unavoidable.
International Director Paul Fan was the representative from Lions Clubs International. He was present with his wife, Mary. Council Chairman Dr. Chin Yoon Hiap appointed Lion Johnson Tay as the Convention Organising Committee Chairman. Meanwhile, Lioness Goh Keat Choo from Subang Jaya was tasked to organise the Lioness Forum. The current District Governors, Chin Siew Gim and Leong A Sam chaired their own sub-district 308A and 308B respectively.
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