42nd MD308 Lions Convention

42^nd MD308 Lions Convention,

Miri, Sarawak

22-25 April, 2004

The oil-rich town of Miri in Sarawak hosted the 42nd MD Convention with the theme, “Innovation towards a Brighter Future”. 

Lucy and I have never set foot on Miri. So, we jumped at this wonderful opportunity and arrived at the airport a day earlier. By doing so, I found out that we were missing out on the warm reception by a bevy of beauties in their traditional costumes! Quite a number of delegates too came early to participate in the Convention Golf Tourney. We took a taxi for a visit to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei instead.

In all, there were 1,450 delegates and several halls were allocated to the sub districts for their respective sub-conventions. The COCC was a highly decorated Lion named Hajjah Ellis Suriyati Omar who became the International Director in 2008-2010. Ellis had attended the 41^st MD Convention in Penang and was elected Council Chairperson during that convention. 

The 1^st and 2^nd Plenary Session went on smoothly. As a matter of fact, the whole convention was properly conducted.

Sarawak hospitality was special. The Organising Committee set up more than 20 stalls for a hawkers’ luncheon at the Boulevard. Indeed, it was a refreshing change. Delegates got to sample famous hawker food such as Sarawak Laksa, raw fish ‘umi’ and crunchy midin belacan (jungle fernshoot). Due to space constraints at the Mega Hotel, there were only 25 Lions Hospitality Booths.

The Convention Banquet was held at the Miri Indoor Stadium. I noticed that the tables were arranged too closely and we had to wriggle our way around. It may be a good thing after all as the delegates are not too “distant” and enjoyed a close fellowship. The local Allamanda Choir kept us entertained throughout the night. I understood they were Lions. A novelty amongst the VIPs was the blow-pipe competition. During the banquet, there was a brouhaha amongst the delegates as to who would be the next Council Chairperson-elect. I showed no interest in this area but instead enjoyed the entertainment and fellowship of the convention. In fact, I retired early with Lucy as it was a long day for us.   

The programme for the next morning began with the Necrology Ceremony. PDG Ng Thin Wah conducted the somber ceremony in memory of 18 Lions who passed away during the fiscal year. At the 2^nd Plenary/Closing Session, the Sub District announced their District Governor-Elects, namely: 

Lion Sylvester Heng (308 A1), Lion Tan Soh Har (308 A2), Lion Lillian Fan Chooi Peng (308 B1) Lion Philip Ooi In Hee (308 B2). And surprise of all surprises, MD Election Chairperson announced that I would be the next Council Chairperson!