Vol 20 Number 08 SELAMAT PAGI 3 September 2011 ‘ President's Message Yours in Rotary President SteveRCBKS Presidents Monthly Sound Bite from Pontian, Johor! Its September already and The Raya Holiday is upon us – September is New Generation month and I would like to share my experience at SMK Sri- Hartamas last Thursday. Essentially going back to school for a few hours at least. It’s 6.50 in the morning and the pupils are arriving thick & fast. I make some notes and reflect on my own time at school. 7.15 and Rotarians Ghaurry, Poay Lim & Susan are all in attendance and guiding me to meet the Headmistress, members of staff and Mei Mei from our Interact club. This was all leading up to the Cheque presentation by the SMK Interact club to the Children’s Cancer Society. The grand total of RM18,000.00 was successfully raised during an evenings entertainment where 700 tickets were sold. What an amazing achievement. It was very clear that the whole school was energized by this and no doubt that many parents could not help but connect with this cause from its outset. We were also treated to an excellent speech by a Professor from University of Malaya. The subject was set around the history of the country leading up to Merdeka as all Malaysians celebrate Independence Day. Presented in an open, challenging and fascinating way, often questioning some longstanding printed texts. Digging below the surface, correcting some commonly held beliefs and encouraging young minds to research the events from various sources for themselves, then to discuss and debate their analysis. The message was clear to me, when dedicated people come together as a team and focus on humanitarian needs, then things really begin to change, these actions can change the world for the better. We can also build on and learn from the past, but to make sure we really do the homework and understand the events leading up to this point in history. As Rotarians our no1 challenge is to change this word for the better, our Interactors are setting a shining example for our club. Our youth are our future, please continue to support their activities, through involvement and interest, not withstanding our clubs excellent work with the new and existing mentee’s in the REF program, surely more leaders to come. Selamat Hari Raya & congratulations to all Malaysians as you celebrate Merdeka Day. Reach within and embrace humanity, I’ll bring back some Pineapples from Pontian!!! The Intercity meeting was held at Commonwealth Club and was attended by 10 members from RCBKS. A total of 80 Rotarians from the 5 clubs in Group 7 were present. No we weren’t there to discuss the state of the World Economy; it was far more interesting than that! After the usual club business (Well done President Steve for your robust update on club activity) and exchange of banners, it was on to the keynote speaker; Tan Sri Kadir Sheik Fadzir of “Malaysia, truly Asia” fame. He took us on a journey back to the “Spirit of Merdeka” of the founding fathers and then brought us bang up to date by helping us make a comparison with the political situation in Malaysia today. In a very frank speech he left it up to us to think about who leads who - the Rakyat or the Politicians. Our illustrious District Governor then spoke about the difference of being in Rotary and being a Rotarian. He is good, to the point and just the right length. Many thanks go to Rotary Club of Central Damansara for hosting the event and the evening ended with the welcome arrival of the fruits (much awaited by the members from Bukit Kiara Sunrise) and fellowship; followed by a long walk back to the car feeling replete and satisfied. By Mike Carr Group 7 Intercity Meeting 24 August 2011 Member's Contribution
