The Clash of the Titans – Rotary Wins

An article from Rotary Trainer :

I drove to Ipoh yesterday to testify in Rotary’s trial of the century. The first of its kind since the inception of Rotary in Malaysia in 1929. The players were 2 distinguished Past District Governors and Rotary Icons in their own right. But more importantly, two really good friends.




PDG Ariff is as good an decent as men come and PDG Jimmy is a great champion of Rotary and a man who has the courage of his convictions. Both imbued with the great Rotary spirit of Service Above Self. Another day and under different circumstances, one could be the mentor and the other his prodigy. But not today.



The trial was the emanation of a lawsuit brought by PDG Jimmy against PDG Ariff for defamation because of statements he is alleged to have made over the micro credit project undertaken by the former. Those of us that attended the District Conference at the Syuen Hotel will be familiar with the issue and would have thought that in the light of the District apology to PDG Jimmy in the matter, everything was settled.



But everything continued to simmer in the background. And there were many malevolent invisible players I suspect who nurtured it along on both sides. With rumours and gossip and all manner of foul innuendoes – people who had their own axes to grind. They continuously fanned the ambers that grew into a large fire and imploded into a lawsuit that was about to engulf us all in Ipoh today.



How is a man to testify in a case where two of his best friends are on opposite sides? You cannot imagine my anxiety! One thing was crystal clear to me, regardless of what the outcome, Rotary was going to be the loser today.



Then like a miracle – the fog lifted. I was informed that both parties had been called into chambers with the judge and that the matter was settled amicably with a handshake. They had agreed for Rotary’s sake to end the fued and shook hands. This is leadership by example. I am absolutely confident that it could not have been easy for either party, convinced of their righteousness, to have given in and yet they did – Rotary Wins Today thanks to two great men, who sacrificed their personal positions for the greater good.

Let’s Keep Rotary Non Political

An interesting article from http://rotarytrainer.wordpress.com/

My good friend Dato Muslim from the Rotary Club of Pudu recently sent me an email asking me why some Rotarians are posting material of a political nature in the Rotary group email. One in particular referred to some article which apparently appeared in the Times of India about our PM Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak employing APCO for his image building.  This story was apparently published in Free Malaysia Today (FMT).

The interesting fact is that Dato Muslim did a search with the Times of India to verify the authenticity of this article and he says,  ”Regret article not found.  I wonder why this Rotarian is passing this FMT  story around.  Doesn’t he know that Rotary is non-political, non-racial and non-religious?”
Good question.
Rotary is a service organization of business and professional leaders whom are united globally to carry out humanitarian projects, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, work towards world understanding and peace – and encourage fun and fellowship in local communities around the world.
I cannot emphasize enough that Rotary is a non-religious, non-political, non-sectarian organization.
It is a fact of life that people have different political views, have differing opinions on moral questions and religion and come from different backgrounds. Rotary is a uniting influence and this unity is forged in order that we all can put our differences aside and serve humanity.
Since the inception of Rotary we have made a real contribution to the quality of life of people around the world. The programs of Rotary have provided exceptional opportunities for youth leaders and young people in general – along with the aged and handicapped; we have contributed millions of dollars to a myriad of vital community projects;  we have worked hard to lift vocational standards and business ethics within our professions and  businesses;  and we have almost eradicated polio from the face of the Earth.
And it’s important to acknowledge that we have achieved all of the above without intrusion into the family and social lives of our members.  It is generally agreed that everyone serves in our own way, in whatever way the can and for their own reasons.
My friends, Politics is divisive and whatever our convictions are, we should keep it out of Rotary. I believe strongly in this.
My final word on politics is that of Aesop, “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.”
Notwithstanding my personal views on the subject, I most certainly welcome and will publish any comment on the subject.