INAUGURATION OF DISTRICT GOVERNOR & INSTALLATION OF CABINET OFFICERS (1997-1998)
A full capacity audience of more than 500 Lions, Lionesses, and Leos filled the Grand Ballroom of the luxury Bayview Beach Resort at Batu Ferringhi, Penang on Saturday 19/7/1997 at 7.00pm. Table bookings were closed a week earlier due to the limited seating capacity.
Before I departed for the 80th LCI Convention, I appointed Region 1 Chairman Ong Chin Seng to oversee the planning of the inaugural dinner.
He demonstrated exceptional efficiency and assembled a committee, which he
presented to me for approval. I had complete confidence in his abilities.
Upon
my return from Philadelphia, I was greeted at the airport by the committee and numerous Lions,
who warmly welcomed both Lucy and me. The subsequent day, Lion Ong held a
press conference at Garden Inn, where he officially announced my return from the LCI Convention and duly installed as district governor to the press. He gave details of the inauguration banquet and all clubs in the district, including Lions from abroad, were extended invitations to
attend.
The Inauguration Committee held a Press Conference @ Garden Inn, Anson Road, Penang.
Amongst the local dignitaries were the Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Haji Hamdan bin Sheik Tahir and his consort and the State Executive Councilor YB Dato' Dr. Kang Chin Seng who represented the Chief Minister of Penang. The Consul General of Japan, Mr. Keitaro Sato, and the Consul of Thailand, Mrs. Rushda Thevaravej added to the list.
Our guests streamed in for the cocktails as early as 6.00pm. The reception area was filled to the brim with Lions and guests exchanging notes. Kudos to my reception committee for registering, and later, ushering everyone to their respective tables. I mingled with the crowd and took it upon myself to personally welcome the Lions who came from afar. Until it was time to welcome the Guest of Honour, Tun Yang Terutama and YB Dato' Dr. Kang. Their arrival was greeted with a beautiful combo of traditional dance and music. Soon after, a routine of Lions’ protocols ensued.
Past Governor John Loh read a citation about me and my family. Then, His Excellency, the Governor of Penang garlanded the Chain of Office onto me, ceremonially “proclaiming” my term as District Governor fiscal year 1997-1998. The thunderous applause was a nod of approval from my fellow Lions and that I must do my utmost best to live up to their expectations!
Immediate Past District Governor Leong A. Sam continued the night with his speech and a narration of my past Lions’ profile, how I rose from rank and file, right to the highest position in the country. In essence, he outlined my 32 years in Lionism. For the record, I joined the Lions movement in late 1964.
The evening continued with my inaugural speech; a thank you note and my pledge to honour the trust and confidence of my fellow Lions and continue the good work of the past governors. In order not to dull the evening, I spoke a little of what I learned from LCI. Another highlight of the evening was the installation of my cabinet officers fiscal year 1997-1998.
YB Dato' Dr. Kang in his speech commented that Lions clubs have grown from strength to strength in Malaysia and praised each and every club had carried out meaningful projects for the community.
When dinner started, the hugely popular Steel Guitars Band rendered a wide repertoire of songs and music and kept the evening alive. The dinner menu was meticulously chosen as we wanted every dish to be out. Lavish and delicious! As the local dignitaries took leave at around 11.00pm, the night had just begun. Spirits (liquor) started to flow and the Steel Band jazzed it up a couple of notches. A night to cherish!
I am indebted to Region 1 Chairman Ong Chin Seng and his dynamic working committee for organizing this grand event. They even made sure that the guests, especially the non-Penangites, were given door gifts and souvenirs. The committee had sourced the famous Penang Tambun biscuits and the best-preserved nutmegs.
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