PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

December is Family Month in Rotary. It is the month we recognize the importance of family relationships. Family relationships extend to 1.2 million members of Rotary clubs. But according to our RI President, our family is larger. “The family of Rotary includes every one of the men, women, and children who are involved in our work: the spouses and children of our members, our Rotary Foundation program participants and alumni, and all of those who are part of our programs, in the tens of thousands of Rotary communities around the world.” We must also not forget the younger generations of Interactors and Rotaractors.

In the RCPJ, our family tradition is markedly strong. The members always involve their Anns in projects. When there is an opportunity for family outings, the children and grand children are also part of the entourage. We have seen the children of our Rotarians grow up to become adults. We have seen them getting married. This is indeed a rich tradition of family relationships within our RCPJ. Let us continue to strengthen our relationship within our Rotary club. The year is coming to an end and there will be festivities, so let us take this opportunity to do so.

Anonymous philanthropy is still very much alive. Not everyone who gives money wants credit for it. Here’s why. Anonymous giving is actually quite noble because the emphasis is shifted from the donor to the goal, devoting dollars to impact the lives of others. “Recognition doesn’t feel right,” says the Rotarian who wrote the million-dollar check. “We name buildings after Rockefellers. If I were donating a building, I’d name it to honour another person.” Many individuals regard their religious beliefs as personal and confidential, and some donors “observe” philanthropy in the same spirit. “My husband and I feel that whatever we can give is the result of blessings we have received,” says a Rotarian. “And our religious and ethical beliefs are quiet and privately held.” Another reason for giving anonymously is to keep the spotlight on the mission or purpose for which funds are donated, and dislike of seeing donated funds used for the printing of “expensive certificates of gratitude, engraved useless items, framed mementos, or golf tees.” Finally, a million-dollar donor remarks, “I caution myself that anonymous is not better. It just fits with my own values. Giving this way makes me feel better about myself.”

The Group 11 Karaoke Competition, held last Friday at Party Box, was an evening of fun and fellowship. It was indeed an opportunity to know the Rotarians from Kelana Jaya, Pantai Valley, Port Klang, Sungei Way and Petaling Jaya. Our Club was represented by IPP Dato’ Kevin Yong, Rtn KO, Rtn Ricky Ying and Ann May. I have not seen so much interest in Ricky and his Ann in karaoke singing. As usual, Kevin provided lots of encouragement in getting the Rotarians up on their feet. KO is indeed a new talent in our midst with so much feeling in the rendition of his songs. Of course, the evening went to the ladies who were talented in their singing as well as in their movements. Rtn Susan from Pantai Valley won the competition. She will represent Group 11 at the District level. Thank you Rotarians for participating in this karaoke competition.

The announcement was accompanied with the provision for the unsuccessful candidate, PP Bindi Rajasegaran of the Rotary Club of Bandar Sunway to challenge the selection of the Nominating Committee. The challenge must be lodged with the District Governor, who is the returning officer by 5 pm 24 November 2009. Whilst the RI ByLaws allow for any club in the district except those in existence for less than one year to propose a challenge, it has not happened in our district previously. The challenge to the Nominating Committee selection has always come from the candidate’s own club. Accompanying the provision to challenge notice was the CV of both candidates. It is not normal to circulate the CV at this stage as the Governor’s notice is primarily to announce the Nominating Committee’s selection.

You would have noticed that after the announcement on 10th November there were numerous notices reminding clubs in the district that there is provision for a challenge. It appeared in the District electronic mailing list, rotary3300@googlegroups.com and another private electronic mailing list RGBT@yahoogroups.com. Finally a club in the district proposed a challenge which was announced by the Governor on 26 November 2009. Very interestingly the name of the club proposing the challenge was not mentioned. This is of course not the right thing to do. News of the club responsible and the process leading to their proposal soon spread like wild fire in the district. There was even a letter to the Governor complaining of campaigning.

The Rotary Club of Bandar Sunway, the club of PP Bindi Rajasegaran, was very quick to inform the district that the proposal to challenge was not from the club. A letter that was sent to PP Bindi informing her that the BOD earlier decision not to support a challenge and also urging her not to do so was circulated.

For the information of members for the challenge to materialize a total of 5 clubs or 10% of clubs in the district which is 7 clubs which ever is higher, must concur with the challenge. It is generally not easy to get 7 clubs to concur with the challenge. This is especially so in such a high profile challenge and with her own club not supporting her challenge. The closing date for the submission of the concurrence to challenge was 5 pm Friday 11 December 2009.

However, the nomination process came to an end when PP Bindi Rajasegaran on 1 December sent out an email announcing that she is unable to give her consent to be a challenger. I find the announcement rather amusing because in the first place she has not secured a challenge with seven clubs concurring. Also in the nomination of the Governor, the question of consent for a challenge usually does not arise because unless the candidate request for someone to propose a challenge it is not likely to happen. 

A Matching Grant for USD 26,450 or RM 89,930 (based on 1USD=RM3.4) was first initiated during the last Rotary year but not submitted. It was continued this Rotary year but was not successful because of the shortage of funds by TRF even though the application was submitted on 22 August 2009.

The Board has agreed to proceeding with the application but without the TRF Match. This reduces the Grant to USD14,800 or RM50,320. Our district does not agree with no matched grants. RC Chungli has agreed and submitted all the documents. RC Colchester has not given us a firm answer yet. We currently have RM22,957 donated from various sources to help them out till April 2010.

Rotary quote of the day presented by Rtn Dr Koh Chin Seong: 

Rotary has become an essential part of my life, and I think I could not imagine myself not being a member of Rotary.
Past RI Director Tristano Bolelli, 1965-67

ATTENDANCE: 24/40 = 60.00%

PROGRAMME 

Key Rotary Messages

These key Rotary messages can be incorporated into your public relations materials or public speeches. 

Rotary is one of the largest and most influential international humanitarian service organizations in the world. 

Rotary is a global network of business, professional, and community leaders.

Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programs.

This is an exciting yet challenging time. Rotary and its partners have reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide.