1: A LIONS’ JOURNEY 1964 - A New Beginning

Reminiscing the 60s - A Rookie Lion 

I remember...

I remember clearly with a hint of nostalgia the day I started as a “cub” at the Lions Club of George Town (LCGT) in late 1964. Yes, it was S. K. Sharma, a small-size insurance cum travel guy who sponsored my membership. Before that, I had the good fortune to attend several dinners under the auspices of the LCGT. I was also invited to attend and participate in a few projects and activities when the club presented some aid to the needy; one of which was a presentation of books and furniture to the orphanages. Six months later, I was officially inducted as a Lion by the President, Osman Merican. I considered myself being roped in as a member without much inkling of what Lionism was all about; except that it entailed serving the community selflessly! 

Lions Club of George Town President and Board of Directors - 1964-1965. 

Seated (L-R) Secretary Dr. P.S. Ramachandran - 3VP Abdul Wahab - 1VP Eu Eng Kiat (1VP) - President Osman Merican - IPP Zainal Alam - 2VP Tony Chan L.F. - Treasurer Lee Thean Chor

Standing (L-R) Director Shaik Ibrahim - Director D.W.Charles - Lion Tamer Lim Peng Lay - Tail Twister Andrew Binwani - Director Rev D Nelson -  Director R.K. Sharma - Director Leong Siew Weng

First, allow me to digress to the origins of Lionism in our beloved country. Well, the seed of Lionism was first sown in the City State of Singapore in 1958, a year after Merdeka. Noshor Pundole, a concerned Lion from India managed to convince some civic and service-minded groups of Singaporeans of the need for a service club in their rapidly expanding city.  When 25 caring citizens responded to this noble call, the Lions Club of Singapore was chartered on 11/10/1958. The sponsoring Club was from India. Two years later on 7/12/1960, the Lions Club of Singapore East was formed; hence, LC Singapore was given the title ‘Host’. 

Lionism was born in Malaysia when the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (Host) was chartered on 18/2/1959. A decade later, the club spread its wings and sponsored the LC Kuala Lumpur West on 12/3/1969. In Borneo,  Lionism first set its footprint across the South China Seas with the formation of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah on 4/10/1966, closely followed by the Sarawak Lions Club of Kuching on 15/10/1966. Soon neighbouring Brunei joined this great service organisation with the formation of the Lions Club of Brunei on 6/11/1970. In recognition, the Headquarters of Lions Clubs International (LCI) in Chicago officially designated the three countries under District 308.

Those good old days...

When I looked back to those “good old days”, vivid and sweet memories began to flood my mind. Yes, I remember the indelible meeting venues and the mouth-watering cuisines. Who could forget the definitive Metropole Hotel, the welcoming Mandarin Room on the top floor of See Hoy Chan Building, the charming Indian restaurant next to the Loke Thye Kee Restaurant, the quintessential Indian-Muslim restaurant Dawood, and later the Merlin Hotel with its revolving restaurant? And most importantly, the different, different personalities that enlivened the meetings! Wonderful memories indeed!

A Rookie Lions... Back then, I was just a rookie - a vicenarian not old enough to vote in the 1964 Malaysian General Elections and certainly one of the youngest Lions in the district. Then, many of the Lions were in their forties or older. People who have settled down in their career and family life. Not for me, I had an early start! It was way back in October 1965 when my name was registered with Lions Clubs International (LCI) as a fully pledged Lion. A greenhorn totally but a roaring Lion nonetheless. Till today, I do not know why my Lions membership was registered several months  later. To be fair, I had attended so many of the club’s activities and meetings. Perhaps, the then Membership Chairman had set a rule for potentials to attend several meetings before they were qualified to be registered with LCI. I strongly feel that such a practice is fully justified as it ensures that we rope in only interested and dedicated members.