PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Under the CLP structure that our Club has implemented, two committee meetings were held: the Service Project Standing Committee and the Membership Standing Committee. Chaired by Directors Rtn Koh Kia Heong and PP Dr Tarcisius Chin respectively, the meetings saw plenty of input. It is pleasing to note that our Directors and members are fired up to begin the year with a bang. The Service Projects Committee is the largest committee in the CLP. It will deliver all the new and existing projects for the community. We’re committed to our community. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” As the RI President, John Kenny said, “We know how to take that step. We will take that step through our Rotary emphases. We will take it through projects in water, health and hunger, and literacy; through club and district; and with the help of our Rotary Foundation.”

The Membership Committee has a mission and that is to achieve a membership of 50 by the end of this Rotary year. We’re indeed impressed by the enthusiasm of its members who will organize ‘interest meetings’ to publicize Rotary.

The weekend will also see the CLE Project organized by RC Ampang. The Concentrated Language Encounter is the Lighthouse Project that provides a different methodology for English teachers. Our Club had a very successful run of this project nationwide. We’re honoured to be invited to the installation of RC Kelana Jaya, our daughter club this Saturday. At least 12 Rotarians from our Club will be present. Finally, the Dialogue Session with Teacher Advisers is scheduled on 15th July.

There’ll be no meeting on 21st July as we have changed it to 23rd July for a joint meeting with RC Kelana Jaya.

Thank you Rotarians for your support. 

Rtn Donald said that in the history of Malaysia this is the first parliament term where 7 by-election has been held in just over one year, which is a record. The various factors that determine the outcome of a parliament or state election are race, religion, local issues and “wind of changes”. The Barisan National forecast its performance though its agencies like special branch, information ministry and police.

The voting pattern for most elections are 30% for the candidate. 30% against the candidate and 40% fence seaters. The fence seaters are an important group to win over. In urban seats like Petaling Jaya there are 70% middle class and 30% hawkers, etc. The hawkers, etc. are easier to win over. Within the middle class the 30:30:40 ratio applies again. From a show of hands of the members present he predicted that PAS would win.

Rotary quote of the day contributed by Rtn Rianne Chin:

“Rotary is not an organization, Rotary is a philosophy, To my mind, the fundamental part of this philosophy is the way Rotary brings individuals together from various parts of the world for personal and close acquaintance on an equal level, quite regardless of faith, politics, gender, race or nationality. And it lets them meet informally, without prestige, without being observed”
Lennart Arfwidsson, Director Rotary International, 1992-1993 

ATTENDANCE: 23/37 = 62.16%

Dialogue with Teacher Advisors

A dialogue was held with Teacher Advisors from the six Interact Clubs sponsored by our club. A delegation of eight Rotarians led by President Dr Eric Wong and New Generations Director IPP Dato Kevin Yong met the Teacher Advisors at the Hotel Armada on Wednesday 15 July 2009 over lunch. This is an annual event for the club to exchange information about the six Interact Clubs sponsored by us.

Durian Fellowship at Karak Durian Farm 

Dressed in outdoor attire a group of about 60 Rotarians, spouses, friends and family members in a convoy of 15 cars headed for the Bentong toll plaza on Sunday 12 July 2009. Leaving home at about 8.30am the convoy of cars assembled at the Bentong toll gate before we proceeded to the Karak Durian Farm.

The durian party started at about 9.30am and by 11.00am most had there share of a large variety of durians. It was estimated that we consumed about 300 durians. The famous Bentong Chendol stall was also in attendance. Many also bungkus tupperware and plastic bags of durians for their spouse and family.

There were also plenty of rambutans and mangosteens and a ride up the orchard to the top of the mountain where one can get a panoramic view of Karak and the surrounding area.

The event organized by IPP Dato Kevin Yong is an annual event of the club and it only costs RM20.00 per adult. The durian farm belongs to Kevin’s friend. We have suggested that the event be opened to Rotarians from other clubs next year.

As we begin our new Rotary year, we look out upon a landscape of challenges and possibilities. We are at the beginning of a new journey together - and, as with every journey, it is a good idea to begin with a map. This is why, every year, we set goals for our Rotary Foundation. They help us stay focused on where we're going, and they keep us all traveling in the same direction, on the same Rotary path.

It should be no surprise to any Rotarian that our first goal in 2009-10 will be the eradication of polio. This is Rotary's primary goal as an organization and will remain so until it is achieved. The direct role of The Rotary Foundation in supporting this goal is to help meet Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge and to raise awareness that the fight against polio is not yet over.

Our second goal is to work through our Foundation to achieve a better world through the six areas of focus of the Future Vision Plan. They are:

Our third goal is to implement the Future Vision Plan, which will help revitalize and strengthen our Foundation so it can adequately support another century of Rotary service. And our fourth goal is to support the Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative and the Permanent Fund so all of our Foundation's good work may continue.

I am glad to be embarking on this new Rotary journey with you. The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands - and the future of our Foundation is as well.

Glenn E. Estess Sr.
Foundation Trustee Chair

The office phone rings, one of the employees picks up and says: 

"What kind of an idiot is it that dares to phone me in the middle of my lunch break?!?" 

The caller shouts back: 

"Do you have any idea whom you are talking to...? I am the CEO of this company!" 

The employee replies: 

"Do you have any idea whom YOU are talking to?" 

The CEO mumbles: "NO!!!" 

The employee heaves a sigh of relief and say:

"Thank goodness for that!!" and hangs up. 



Hahaha......very smart employee!!