The Perak Branch is 30 years old this year 2000 which has been variously
touted as Year of the Dragon, a new decade, a new century and for many,
the new millennium. This year is also the 60th anniversary of MNS. The
Penang Branch is also celebrating its 30th anniversary. To cap this auspicious
year the branch committee has decided to celebrate it in a grand manner
never experienced by MNS members before ? we are going to have a Fun Day
(with nature of course!) on November 12.
Headed by our treasurer, Jeffery Tan
Tiong Lek, the committee has in a short time, working very long hours and
deligently, managed to put together something we will all be proud of.
Our main objective is to show off our achievements and activities to the
general public to create awareness and understanding of the objectives
of the MNS as a whole which is a whole lot of fun, fellowship and faith
in the MNS philosophy. Though we will take this occasion to raise funds
for the MNS Building Fund it will centre on the core business of the MNS.
There will be video and graphic presentations of the MNS and sale of food,
drinks and potted plants donated by Leong Tuck Lock and other supporters.
Companies like OCBC, A&W, Spritzer, Ngan Yin Groundnuts and many others
have come forward to support us with their generous donations or discounts.
We are also helping the state to promote Perak as a haven for nature lovers.
Our caring nature advised us to also give a helping hand to NGOs like DAYBREAK
and Befrienders to display their products and services. The birders will
display their sophisticated gadgets and show members of the public how
we can use digital photography and computers to appreciate nature. MNS
has truly come of age.
There is certainly a paradigm shift
in the thinking of MNS members. The demand for better and more efficient
services will certainly exert pressure on the office bearers to come up
with smart ideas and proposals to run the society better and determine
how our scarce resources can be effectively used. Some may question the
need for spending to acquire a functional office cum NERMC. I see it as
the vehicle to see us through the next century/millenium. Without it we
will be directionless and defenseless. How we acquire the building may
be academic but we should not let go of this ideal. With a building our
resources will be enhanced and our reputation elevated to a higher plane.
My whole involvement with the MNS stands on this lofty ideal. Yes, I fantasize
and I day-dream but I remain committed to achieving these goals. If any
member has a better idea please step forward and help the branch reach
greater heights in our mission.
The Perak Branch has been requested
to consider the possiblity of working with other Northern Region branches
(Penang and Kedah) to publish a regional newsletter instead of a limited
state-wide edition. This would result in a better quality newsletter and
members will be able to participate in a wider range of activities. This
may result in increased membership which may tranlate into further cost
savings. The downside of such a scheme may be a cost increase initially
and problems of co-ordination but we may never know unless we give it a
try.
Cheaw Hon Ming
30 October 2000