Hi Everybody,
First of all I would like to thank all of you who had confidence in
me chairing the Perak Branch yet another year. Ng Chang Chai confirmed
that my version was correct — he would only accept the committee member
post. I am indeed relieved that my hearing is not defective, else I have
to quit as I have to be a good listener. Other than the role spelt out
in the constitution the chairperson is expected to lead the branch to achieve
the society’s objectives effectively. You have elected a new secretary
and a few committee members switched places to make the new committee energetic
and
balanced but we need further input in influence and enthusiasm from
all members to meet future challenges. I would like to express my sincere
thanks and appreciation to Poon Kuan Yaow and Chang Kok Kai from their
contributions to the branch. All members expect the branch to blaze new
trails and give them more benefits but this is often easier said than done
as we do not have the benefit of a paid office force to do the nitty gritty
to service members as the committee efforts are voluntary. Pareto’s Principle
would be applied to identify the 20 percent the committee will focus on
so that 80
percent of the branch’s aspirations can be achieved.
Sifting through the experiences over
the past few years and the comments received from members and the public
I feel that the branch should concentrate on continuous quality improve-ment
to increase membership and the status of the MNS as a reliable NGO in the
eyes of the powers that be. I shall commit myself wholeheartedly
to set up an NERMC — a home for the branch. The need for it is irrefragable
as the matters raised during the Branch AGM points to the lack of it as
the root of most of our problems. The committee will endeavour to raise
funds for the building and my principle task would be to keep the momentum
going. Please volunteer your help when it is needed.
Over the last few weeks I gave serious
thoughts to set realistic goals for the Branch and the MNS as a whole in
spite of the present economic and political difficulties. The vision of
the branch carrying out more quality activities and leading in certain
areas has fired an passion in me to seek and explore all avenues to achieve
this goal.
Some members have written in to complain
about the destruction of forests, wetlands and coastal/marine areas brought
about by unbridled development. The clearing of the land at the foot of
the Kledang Hill recently spurred an outpouring of dissatisfaction from
members and the public. While it shows that people do care about Nature
much more has to be done to inculcate a love for Nature and the need to
conserve it. Some commented on the way we do certain things. While it is
appreciated I hope members would communicate their message clearly so that
there would be no misconceptions. They should also be good listeners and
seek clarifications before jumping to conclusions. I found out much to
my disappointment that some of my ideas and words have been taken out of
context by some members. Fortunately my explanations were accepted in most
cases. Therefore I appeal to all members to consider themselves as members
of a team and be willing to put aside their sensitivities to achieve our
common goals.
The committee cannot please everybody
so the aspirations of the majority will continue to be attended to. A few
in the minority may be unhappy over certain matters and leave the MNS.
However, I would like to take my hat off to a minority who stood with us
through the thick and thin and continue to be members though they have
not participated in our activities. Once again,
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Cheaw Hon Ming
20 August 1999