04/07/2026
Well done, Past President Donald Lee on a successful term as District Cabinet Treasurer of Lions International District 308B1 Malaysia (2025โ2026)! We're proud of you ๐ฆ๐
To My Cabinet Secretary, Natz Gan Natalie Gan
There are some people who come into our Lionistic journey for a season, and there are some who become part of the journey itself.
Natalie, for me, you belong firmly in the latter.
Long before this District Governor term ever began, long before the campaigns, the elections, the titles and the responsibilities, you had already played an important role in shaping the Lion and leader that I would eventually become.
Over the past twelve years, you have given me far more than advice or support โ you gave me confidence when I lacked it, perspective when I lost it, and encouragement when I needed it most.
There were moments during my journey when I seriously considered stepping away from leadership altogether. When I hesitated about becoming Club President, you were the one who convinced me not to give up. As I continued serving term after term as a Cabinet Officer, you remained one of the constants in my journey โ encouraging, supporting and pushing me forward even when I doubted myself.
Many may not know this, but when I first made the rather impulsive decision to consider running for District Governor some five years ago, many expected that if anyone were to embark on that journey first, it would naturally have been you. You were the more senior Lion, the more experienced leader, and someone many believed would eventually take that path long before I ever did.
Yet when I expressed my interest, there was never a moment of hesitation from you.
There was no doubt, no reservation, no question.
You simply chose to support me.
When I fell short in my first campaign, you were again one of the people who refused to let me give up. I still remember your words โ that if I stopped there and never completed the journey, it would become a regret we would carry for the rest of our lives.
Looking back today, I know you were right.
When the time finally came for me to serve as District Governor, there was never any question in my mind who my Cabinet Secretary would be. To me, there was only one person for the role.
Even then, you exceeded every expectation I had.
In fact, your contributions began long before the term officially started. You brought ideas, systems and initiatives that many of us had never even imagined before. Whether it was the successful implementation of the 100% Lions and Leos Reporting initiative, the countless district events that required planning and coordination, the District Governor Installation, the Admin Team Retreat, the Cabinet Officers and Presidents Retreat, or the endless details behind every Cabinet Meeting and District programme, your fingerprints could be found everywhere.
One of my proudest moments this year was seeing you step onto the stage as an FDI Certified Trainer during ELLI. Watching you train and inspire future leaders with such professionalism, confidence and excellence was not only impressive โ it made me immensely proud.
Behind the scenes, while many only saw the visible successes of the District, very few saw the countless hours spent handling administrative matters, financial reconciliations, documentation, follow-ups and coordination.
This year was particularly demanding with the introduction of corporate sponsorships and the administration surrounding hundreds of transactions and reimbursements to clubs throughout the District. Yet somehow, through all the complexity, you managed it with dedication, professionalism and grace.
The truth is that much of what we achieved this year simply would not have been possible without you. Thank you for believing in me long before many others did.
Thank you for standing beside me not only during the victories, but also during the disappointments.
Thank you for your loyalty, your friendship, your honesty, your commitment and your countless sacrifices behind the scenes that so few people will ever fully know or understand.
Most importantly, thank you for choosing to walk this journey with me.
As I return the title of District Governor, one of the things I will treasure most from this year is knowing that I had the privilege of serving alongside someone like you.
From the bottom of my heart โ thank you, Natalie. I will always be grateful.
To My Cabinet Treasurer, Donald Lee
There are supporters, there are friends, and then there are people who simply stand by you without conditions, without hesitation, and without asking for anything in return.
Donald, you have been one of those people in my life.
From the very beginning of my District Governor journey, even during the first campaign, you never once hesitated in your support for me.
At a time when many people were still watching from the sidelines, wondering what would happen, you had already decided where you stood.
You stood beside me.
At 75 years old this year, many would have chosen to slow down, take a step back and enjoy a quieter Lionistic life after decades of service and leadership.
Instead, you chose to get into the car with me and travel thousands upon thousands of kilometres across our district, visiting clubs, attending functions and meeting members as we went around seeking support and sharing our vision for the future of District 308-B1.
Those journeys, conversations and memories are things I will never forget.
When the time came to form my Cabinet Team, I remember spending a great deal of time thinking about what role I should entrust to this close brother and dear friend of mine.
You had already served in numerous senior positions within the district and possessed a wealth of experience that few could match.
Yet the role of Cabinet Treasurer was perhaps one of the most challenging assignments I could have given you.
It was a portfolio that demanded countless hours of administrative work, financial reporting, transaction management and reconciliation work โ areas that were not necessarily your professional background or expertise.
I still remember your response when I asked you to take on the role. โIf you ask me to do it, I will do it โ but just for you.โ
Those words have stayed with me throughout the entire year.
This term was never going to be an easy one for our District financially or administratively. With corporate sponsorships, multiple projects, subsidies, reimbursements and support schemes being implemented, we ended up handling hundreds upon hundreds of transactions across different accounts and programmes.
I know it could not have been easy.
I know the countless hours spent in front of the computer, going through statements, verifying payments, reconciling figures and ensuring every transaction was properly accounted for. I know there were days when the work must have felt overwhelming.
Yet not once did you complain.
Not once did you show frustration.
Not once did you ever suggest giving up or stepping away from the responsibility that I had entrusted to you. Instead, you quietly carried the burden and simply continued doing what needed to be done.
That, to me, speaks volumes about your character. Loyalty is a word that is often used too easily. But if I were ever asked to describe loyalty within Lionism, your name would immediately come to mind.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for believing in me when it mattered most.
Thank you for the thousands of kilometres travelled, the countless hours sacrificed and the many unseen contributions that helped make this year possible.
Most importantly, thank you for standing beside me throughout this journey โ not because of the position, not because of the title, but simply because you believed in me.
As this term comes to an end, I may be returning the title of District Governor, but I will carry with me the friendships forged and strengthened during this journey.
And among those friendships, yours will always hold a very special place in my heart.
From one brother to another โ Thank you, Donald. For everything.
