Hi Everybody,
It is the time of the year to review the events of the past year and ponder over how one can do certain things better and to improve on what has been achieved. My main aspiration for the branch in the coming year is to realise our dream of a home for MNS Perak so that the committee can perform better in the future - something branch members can be proud of. Hence my main resolve would be to put into action short and long-term plans to raise funds and to acquire a premise, at least temporarily, to house the branch. It may be wishful thinking to some but I shall try my utmost not to disappoint those who gave me the mandate and those who have donated generously.
HQ and the branch committee are trying to increase membership through various means - one of which is the Member-get-Member plan which would be announced soon. However, a more disturbing development is the slight decline in membership over the past few months due to non-renewal. It may be due to members moving to new places, lethargy and the "tedious" process of remembering and remitting the payments. To make it easier for members to pay they should try to attend Members' Night and make payments directly to the Chairman or any committee member responsible that night. Hong Leong Bank has co-operated with the MNS to launch a special card with the MNS logo so that members may make renewal payments easily. A few members have kindly consented to act as agents to collect cheques and receive renewal payments to be handed to the committee so that they can be sent to HQ.
Some explained they were not renewing because they do not agree with the way the Society handle certain issues or do certain things. While they may be entitled to their opinions they should look at the issues through a wider perspective. The MNS does not have access to funds like the WWF to employ well-trained personnel to perform professionally and efficiently. It has been plagued with high labour turnover and lack of funds while it faced a monumental task attending to recurring issues on Nature conservation and appreciation. Right now even if membership is doubled it is just sufficient for the annual payroll and office management. Of course getting dedicated, hard-working and knowledgeable staff would be the solu tion to most of the MNS problems but putting into practice requires more than just money. Hopefully all these will be a thing of the past with the appointment of Dr. Low as the new CEO. Attending council meetings and interacting with other branches have given me a better insight into the MNS and appreciate the dedication of some members who have sacrificed much of their time and money for the MNS and society as a whole.
The sub-committee for Building Fund-raising have brainstormed a few plans to help raise funds. Please help the committee achieve our aims by participating in the various programs and volunteering your time. Various individuals in the state would be approached to help or donate to our funds. Don't worry, I always believe in doing things with minimum fuss and maximum returns.
We will be embarking on a plan to work with corporations and other institutions that will be in line with our objectives. It will be difficult to find any company or individual who has not been involved in the destruction of our natural heritage. The important criteria would then be how much care and effort has been taken to minimise destruction of Nature or restore a once destroyed land to its natural beauty. Efforts on reforestation and replanting with indigenous flora will receive our priority approval and participation. All economic activities should be in Harmony with Nature!
Cheaw Hon Ming
28 December 1998