Hi Everybody,
First I must apologise to all of you for not getting this issue of Perak
Nature out in time for distribution to members by today. During the last
few weeks it was a hectic time with family, work commitments and various
meetings. The work requirements in my job has increased tremendously and
weekends are also in great demand to fulfill my recreational needs which
incidentally are almost all MNS/nature-related.
I must also apologise for the inconvenience
caused to all of you who have made plans for the AGM which was earlier
slated for 14 July but had to be postponed to 28 July 2001 due to advice
that individual letters of notice must be sent lest anyone should query.
Personally I feel that constructive notice has been sent via our newsletter
and I do not think any member would disagree. Incidentally this is done
in most branches.
With the AGM in mind I hope all members
will turn up for an interesting program and to elect a new committee. I
shall not stand for any post as there are some projects coming up that
will demand my full attention and thus does not allow me to continue to
hold any positions. However, I shall continue to support the MNS especially
certain issues which are dear to my heart, namely the Branch Building Fund
for the acquisition of a building to further our cause and expand our activities
and the setting up of Nature Parks in Perak (to be managed by the State
Nature Parks Management Board). I shall also contribute whatever I can
from time to time to the appreciation of nature in Perak and elsewhere
joining the experts in their work and scientific studies. Networking with
them has taught me a great deal about nature and the conflicting views
of handling certain issues and their solutions. I can now have greater
freedom to enjoy Nature.
I take this opportunity to thank all
those who have steadfastly stood by me for my views and stand on certain
issues and also materially and financially supported projects initiated
by me. It was fun working together with all of you and I got to see the
better side of most people. The fellowship developed a strong camaraderie
that I shall always treasure. It has provided me with a sense of fulfillment
in that the MNS Perak has seen a lot of improvement over the years and
the recognition of our achievements by my colleagues at Council and other
NGOs more than compensate for the sacrifices made over the last four years.
Our award-winning website is widely acknowledged as one of the best, thanks
to the efficiency of our webmaster Dr. Chan Kai Soon who also started and
maintains the Birders chatlist which brought birders together from all
over the world. MOCAT should be told that this may have contributed in
a small way to the tourism industry in Malaysia. Our funds are healthy
but of course much more have to done in the future to further our cause
and for the branch to advance to the next level – the take-off to a popular,
semi-professionally run NGO at state and national level with an oft-visited
NERMC catering to a wide spectrum of needs.
Of course there are many areas that
remained unfulfilled or things were just starting to move. I joined the
MNS mainly to gather Facts about our flora and fauna but I also had Fun,
Fellowship, Fulfillment and Freedom (of Nature). I leave with a heavy heart
but I shall return if my services are needed in the future.
Cheaw Hon Ming
10 July 2001