DG INAUGURATION 1997-1998


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 on 19/7/1997 at 7.00pm. As a matter of fact, table bookings were closed a week earlier due to the limited seating capacity.

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 Counciler 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 on myself to personally welcomed 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 District 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 continue 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 had 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 learnt from LCI. Another highlight of the evening was the installation of my cabinet officers 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 have 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 stand-outs. 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 Chair 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.