Y.Bhg. Datuk Danny Ooi
District Governor, Lions Clubs Malaysia District 308-B1

Dr J.P. Kamalanathan
Immediate Past District Governor, Lions Clubs Malaysia District 308-B1

Past District Governors,

Lion Dignitaries,

Lions & Lionesses,

Ladies & Gentlemen

Assalamualaikum wbt and good evening.

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for being invited to this important occasion.

I also would like to extend congratulations to YBhg Datuk Danny Ooi on his inauguration as the District Governor for Lions Clubs International District 308-B1 Malaysia. I also would like to express my heartiest congratulations to the Cabinet Officers on their installation.

I presume that the large number of Cabinet Officers represent the size of the Lions Clubs organization of which is probably the biggest and probably one of the most efficient service organisation in the world.

We must acknowledge that the success story of this is heavily due to the members’ strong conviction and commitment to serving the community without expectations of returns or personal gain.

Since the beginning of the Lions Clubs in Malaysia more than 50 years ago, the Lions have outperformed in providing noble and selfless service to the nation in serving the community and rallying to the cause of the needy, underprivileged and less fortunate.

In line with the Government’s ‘1Malaysia’ aspiration, the Lions has set positive track record in propelling numerous social community development projects, health and safety awareness campaigns and leadership training programmes that were carried out regardless of race or religion, not only among themselves, but also those they serve.

In materialising the ‘1Malaysia’ aspiration, the Government of Malaysia is ever willing to work together with NGOs like the Lions Clubs. We would like to see more NGOs to fully utilize its members’ knowledge, experience and resources to continue to outreach the community by creating and organizing social and community projects that promotes ‘unity’ amongst the Malaysians.

I know that I am adding more work to the Lions Clubs’ existing projects for the new District Governor YBhg. Datuk Danny Ooi and his Cabinet Officers. However, I am very confident that they will also combine forces and pooling their resources with the cooperation and assistance from their fellow Lions.

As part of the ‘1Malaysia’ aspiration too, the Government has been working closely with NGOs in moulding a caring and concerned society. We have to continue to provide assistance for the poor, needy, less fortunate and underprivileged.

As much as the Government has done its part in looking after the needs and the interests of the Rakyat, I am also aware of the Lions who have gone through extra miles in serving the community under various projects such as the setting up of renal centres, eye clinics, autistic centres and many more.

Through their aid and welfare programmes for the poor and needy, without regards to race nor religion, the Lions are also complementing the Government’s efforts in realising the success of the poverty eradication programme at the end of the Ninth Malaysia Plan in 2010.

In addition to the above, I would also like to commend the Lions for playing an instrumental role in the fight against global warming and depletion of the ozone layer, with their ‘Go Green’ campaigns and efforts to create and instil awareness of the conservation of the environment.

As an NGO with more than 50 years experience, the Lions Clubs must also continue developing future leaders for the club and the country. As the Education Minister, I am very happy to note that the Leo programme in schools is helping to cultivate leadership qualities while promoting a culture of excellence amongst its members. The Leo programme eversince it was introduced at schools all over Malaysia has undoubtedly made an impact, and I am confident that it will continue to grow under the Lions’ new leadership and guidance.

I trust the Lions Clubs Malaysia District 308-B1 will continue to grow and improve under the strong and able leadership of YBhg. Datuk Danny Ooi.

This is attested by his passion being the founder of the Malaysia Book of Records, the official national keeper of feats and achievements accomplished by Malaysians.

On behalf of the Government, I would like to say a big think you to the Lions and other voluntary non-governmental organisations for their work, efforts, resources and financial contributions without expecting anything in return.

May they continue to keep up the good work and contribute to the cultivation of a caring and concerned society.

Thank you.

Wabillahi taufikwalhidayyah wassalamualaikum wbt.