PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The Golden Child Project held over the weekend was a tremendous success. Jointly sponsored by the RC Tampin, RCHKIW and the RCPJ, it was well participated. More than 20 children accompanied by their parents and a doctor enjoyed a weekend of fun and good food. A number of Rotarians including the Presidents were at hand to lend support to this worthwhile project. From RCHKIW, we had President Jeff Ng, PE Edward Chow, International Service Director Tony Niem and Joseph Lu and his Anne. From RC Tampin, we had President Gunalan, PE Mike Ng, PP Lau, Doc and several others. From the RCPJ, we were pleased to have PDG David Ho and Elsie, PDG Dato’ Dr Low Teong and Datin Jackie, PP Teo Woon Hud and Anne Karen, PP Yap Swee Fatt and Anne Susan, PP Ong See Seng and Anne Carol, PP Goh Seng Chuan and Anne Nancy, PP Chris Ng, Rtn Koh Kia Heong and Anne Tze, PP Michael Toh, Anne Kim and family and PE Dr Eric Wong.

It gives meaning to life when we reach out to people, especially when people need our help and care. This was what was happening in AFormosa when Anns and Rotarians sat down to talk to the children and their parents over meal times. It was indeed touching to know that there are people out there like the Rotarians who will come forward to see the other side of suffering, offering compassion and words of encouragement. This was evident when in the final evening some Anns broke down when they talked to the children’s parents. Two parents were on stage to say how appreciative they were of the caring attitude of the Rotarians. And they hoped that this Golden Child Project will continue for many years.

Yes, we have been doing this project for at least 10 years and I’m sure during President Eric’s year, it will continue.

Scientists believe mosquitoes evolved about 230 million years ago in what is now South America. Of the roughly 3,500 mosquito species, about 40 transmit malaria. Each year, more than 350 million cases of malaria occur in at least 109 countries. More than one million result in death.

In Africa, a child dies of malaria every 30 seconds. An estimated 90 percent of deaths caused by the disease occur south of the Sahara. Illnesses and deaths due to malaria cost African countries US$12 billion a year total in lost productivity.

The word malaria is derived from the Italian for ‘bad air’ because of the early belief that the disease was caused by breathing the stale, warm, humid air found in swamps.

Excerpts from the Rotarian, May issue.

The title of the Ambassador’s talk was “Renewed Leadership, Shared Future”. Throughout the 40 minute presentation the focus seemed to be on economic matters, more precisely the US policies about trade. But underlying Keith’s remarks, it seems to suggest that now it is an America that wants to listen, share common grounds, stays on stage to engage in South-east Asia and appreciate the shared burdens between country and country. These remarks were delivered to a record luncheon crowd of 80.

Excerpts from the Ambassador’s speech:

Faith and confidence in the global trading system to restoring US economic growth, particularly given that, over the past 40 years, the share of trade in the US economy has tripled, to 30 percent of our GDP. It is hoped that all nations will reaffirm commitments to open trade and investment policies, which are absolutely essential to global economic growth and prosperity. The Obama administration is committed to fighting protectionism, and the US will uphold its obligations under the WTO and its bilateral trade agreements. For several years now, we have worked assiduously on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia. The US and Malaysia continue working level contacts on outstanding FTA issues. As new administrations in both countries put new trade officials in place, we will have to re-engage to clarify preferred approaches to address further liberalization of bilateral trade and investment.

Closer to home, no one needs to be persuaded of the importance of Asia to the United States – and the importance of the US to Asia. Asia is a challenging and dynamic region, and an area that will play a major role in determining the future course of the world’s economy and the prospects for international peace and stability. The new administration has pledged to forge a more effective framework in Asia that goes beyond bilateral agreements, occasional summits, and ad hoc arrangements. We will work to maintain strong ties with allies, and work to build ties with countries in East Asia that will promote stability and prosperity. We view the emergence of powers such as China and India from a pragmatic, realistic perspective.

In sum, we have an ongoing substantive agenda that is already productive for both of our countries. But in an era of shared leadership, shared objectives and shared burdens, there is unrealized potential in the relationship between the United States and Malaysia. Malaysia has more to contribute to international institutions that help sustain global commerce, produce high standards of living for our people, and prevent threats to our citizens’ security. I am hopeful that we can become closer partners in areas such as export control and nonproliferation, global health and prevention of pandemic disease, managing climate change and promoting sustainable development, and more. Malaysia is a successful country already, but it can and I am confident will accomplish even more in the years to come. We in the United States wish to continue to contribute to that success and to Malaysia’s growing role as a leader in the international community.

Thanks you, Mr Ambassador.