Newsletter January - February 2019 by royallakeclub

Royal Lake Club KELAB TAMAN PERDANA DIRAJA KUALA LUMPUR FOUNDED 1890

JAN/FEB 2019

Gong Xi Fa Cai

019

FEATURE AGM 2018

CELEBRATING CNY 10

CNY wine promotion CNY dinner

REMEMBERING 8 19

TRIBUTE TO A PAST PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE From Me to You…

The Boon and Bane of modern society…of Emojis and Social Media. To all Lake Club members, a Happy New Year. I trust and know that 2019 will be a welcome and graciously satisfying year for all of you. We live in a secular society and just around the corner is the beginning of the 12th year of the Chinese Zodiac cycle and it is, I am given to understand, symbolically a year of wealth. Apparently, the story goes, and I am certain to be corrected on this, that the 12th animal to be invited to the emperor’s party arrived late, having overslept and hence ended up being the last of the cycle. I trust that the wealth that comes will be in all forms and will not be just in a monetary guise – that it will be an abundance of happiness, of satisfying memories and resounding health. I used to write, some 12 years ago, in this Newsletter about monthly events in our Club in a style that I thought conveyed both facts and a message that concerned us all both in our lovely closed Lake Club society and the larger outside world, a message that was relevant to the times and space we lived in. I wish that what I say now is en passant – (a lovely expression) - in passing. Sadly, it isn’t. I write this on 9 January 2019, precisely a month after the 2018 AGM of the Royal Lake Club. It has been a huge learning curve of discoveries. First, the negatives. We were supposedly to be delighted over the assurances that we had done well, that there was a solid transfer into our FD accounts of approximately RM1.3 million. An emoji at this juncture of clapping hands would be called for but it took precisely about ten days for that emoji to be awash with one of tears. First came the threat from the Ministry of Finance that if we did not pay outstanding gaming tax of close to RM1 million our machine room licence would not be renewed for 2019. Next came the demand of outstanding (outstanding?) GST of close to RM400K and then, to top it all. we had the enforcement division of DBKL knocking on our doors with a demand of outstanding assessment of about 40K on the land on which we sit. And they were insisting that it be paid immediately. These were just official dues! Let’s not even go further afield. We are the Royal Lake Club. Outstanding government dues should not be our style. You see what I mean about emojis – an appropriate one here would be one of flying winged money. Add to that ‘rojak’ the missing senior admin staff and a sadly depleted office and service ensemble. That had its own consequences – a massive drop in staff morale, vitality and service quality. Almost takes us back to where that 12th zodiac animal had over-slept. On to, briefly, the positives – we have cleared our main debts, we have started interviewing and recruiting senior staff, we are expecting, shortly, to have in place a GM who will take over the running of the Club and avoid the GC micro-managing of it (a ridiculous state of affairs if allowed to persist!). We expect to solve our Machine Room woes and start working, economically, on the looks, health and well-being of our Club. You have a hyped-up, largely first-time, GC who are gung-ho to restoring the Club to its should-be heights. The Club needs TLC - tender loving care, generously laced with transparency, accountability and integrity. Colleagues, give the GC a bit of space. It has just been a month and in this day and age of instant messaging and expectations and, of course, gratification, that space and time is needed. WhatsApp is a great tool but it is both a boon and bane. By all means suggest (regularly), recommend, criticise and compliment (perhaps occasionally) but go easy on the intensity. With your help we can and we will, by end 2019, get there.

Manjeet Singh Dhillon Your President

ROYAL PATRONS

DYMM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamallulail, Raja Perlis DYMM Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni AL-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Mukhtafi Billah Shah, Sultan Terengganu DYMM Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, Sultan Selangor Darul Ehsan DYMM Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Munawir, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan

MANAGEMENT

DYMM Paduka Sri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Shah Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-la

GENERAL MANAGER Vacant gm@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8501

PATRONS

ACTING OPERATIONS MANAGER S Sivaneswary sivaneswary@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8532

Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad Tun Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak GENERAL COMMITTEES 2018/2019 PRESIDENT

Manjeet Singh Dhillon VICE PRESIDENT

Lt Col (R) Johan Van Geyzel Bin Abdullah GC MEMBERS

Dr K J John Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor Datin Paduka Komala Devi Elizabeth Tan Chin Poh Dato‘ Nik Gee Siew Yee Amuthambigai Tharmarajah Dr Balan L Dass Maharedza Mahadzir Vishnu Kumar R Visvanathan Lim Beng Jin Dr Surindar Singh Jeswant Singh CLUB SECRETARY

Nurzuraida S Abdullah AUDIT COMMITTEES

L T Kulasingham - Chairman Dato’ Syed Mustaffa Syed Ali Leng Joon Huat audit@royallakeclub.org.my LIBRARY & PUBLICATION COMMITTEES

Elizabeth Tan - Chairman Dr K J John - Deputy Chairman Yap Yok Foo Gerard Soong Sailendra Kanagasundram Wong Shou Sien Deepak Sharma

MEMBERSHIP Nurzuraida S Abdullah membership@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8506 FINANCE Lai Chik Chong accountsmanager@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8508 FOOD & BEVERAGE Zulkifly Rashid fnb@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8503 EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS Rozita Teh events@royallakeclub.org.my newsletter@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 2110 HUMAN RESOURCES Norfazilah Mohd Zaini humanresource@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8515 FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE Ong Eng Nam maintenance@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8521 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Vacant) rlcit@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8618 SPORTS AND RECREATION Halim Mohd Said halim@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8530 SECURITY Mohd Rosle Md Nor security@royallakeclub.org.my Ext 8714

CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS TOWN HALL SESSION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

What’s Happening

4-5

Day Date Time Venue

REMEMBERING

All members are welcomed!

MARKETPLACE

SUB COMMITTEES 2018/2019

: Sunday : 24 February 2019 : 10.00am : TBA

7 Are you interested to write articles for the

Social Fairground

9-18

Food & Beverages

number, club number and area of interest to

Kids Activities

newsletter@royallakeclub.org.my.

Arena

22-30

New Reads at the Library

Travel

32-33

Cryptic Crossword Puzzle

Sudoku

Tributes

newsletter? E-mail your name, handphone

The views and opinions expressed or implied herein are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Club or the Publication Committee. No article in part or whole may be reproduced without prior written permission.

PUBLISHED & DESIGN PRINTING 3

MARKETPLACE

Wine & Whisky Promotion (BTLs) 25 January till stocks last...................page 8

Valentine’s Day Dinner 14 February, The Orchid Room.........page 19

Grand Chinese New Year Dinner 15 February, Banquet Hall.................page 19

RLC Harriers Chap Goh Mei Run & Dinner 19 February, Banquet Hall Register at Reception Counter

BATEK BAR Showtime : 9pm to Midnight

SENSATION Every Tuesday HUMMINGBIRD Every Wednesday D’INDIGO Every Thursday & Saturday STEELE Every Friday 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................ . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . .. ..

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CLASSES MARTIAL ARTS

AIKIDO Sundays, 4.30pm to 5.30 pm Children <12 : RM70, Adult: RM90 +6012-213 1829 QI GONG Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm Poolside Gazebo +6019-332 3668, +6016-698 9991 TAI CHI Mondays & Wednesdays 5.45pm to 8.45pm, Multipurpose Hall Thursday 7.45pm to 9.15 Aerobic Room RM 80 per month +6016-278 8232 TAE KWON DO Wednesdays, 7.30pm to 8.30pm Blue to Black Belt Recreational Hall Various times (Belt specific), Saturdays & Sundays – All Belts Multipurpose Hall RM55 to RM95

NEW SUN WUSHU Tuesday, Friday, 6.45am to 8.30am Multipurpose Hall RM80 (4 sessions per month) or RM160 (8 Sessions per month) +6013-362 4348

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING | MARKETPLACE

STRETCHING & BODY WEIGHT EXERCISE Mondays & Fridays at 7.30am, Tuesday & Saturdays at 8.30am, Thursdays, 10am Aerobics Room RM60 per month +6019-365 8402, +6016-668 7049 BOLLYWOOD FITNESS By Sonia Shah Sundays, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Recreation Hall RM60 once a week, per month 017-365 6685 PILATES Tuesdays at 6.30pm Wednesdays at 10am Aerobics Room RM400 (for 3 months) +6017-878 8559

CHESS CHESS BY MOK SEE ENS Sundays, 2.30pm to 4.00pm RM100 Beginners, RM120 Advanced 016-223 3536

ART CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING Thursday : 10.00am to 6.00pm Friday : 2.00pm to 6.00pm Recreation Hall RM120 per month Tel : 03-7781 0699 CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY Thursdays, 10.00am to 6.00pm Recreation Hall RM 130 per month +603-4022 2860

ZUMBA (LATIN AEROBIC) Monday & Wednesday, 6.30pm to 7.30pm Aerobics Room RM 70 per month +6017-3656685 YOGA By Divine Life Society Tuesdays, 6.15pm to 7.15pm Saturday, 8.45am - 10.00am Recreational Hall RM140 for 3 months payable in advance +6012-2787409, +6012-202 3592 By Aman Merican Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am Fridays, 11.00am to 12.00pm Recreational Hall RM60 once a week, per month RM120 twice a week, per month 011-1140 3436

COMPETITIVE SPORTS

BADMINTON Mr.Lee Guan Ching Mondays, 10.00am to 1.OOpm Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm Thursdays, 9am to 11am Fridays, 1.00pm to 3.00pm +6016-226 9877 Yap Yee Hup Mondays to Fridays, 7.00am to 4.00pm +6019-275 8479 Cheng Sai Kit Fridays, 4.00pm to 11.00pm Saturdays, 7.00am to 1.00pm Saturdays, 6.00pm to 11.00pm Sundays, 7.00am to 9.00am +6016-421 5639

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FITNESS & GYM

TENNIS Clement Chan (+6013-330 5812) Saturday & Sundays, 7.00am to 7.00pm Sunil (+6011-1437 8304) Monday to Fridays , 7.00am to 11.00am & 3.00pm to 7.00pm SQUASH Mary Lee (+6012-386 7378) Adults and Children Focus RM50 to RM70 (Group of 2) per lesson RM90 to RM110 per month (Group) Chris Teoh (+6019-387 9802) RM90 per session, one on one. RM50 per person per session, group

COMPETITIVE SWIMMING Instructor: Ong Lye Hing Mondays and Fridays, 7.00pm to 9.00pm Twice per week Main Pool RM120 per month SWIMMING Gan Kok Yee (012-200 8934) Mon to Fri, 3pm to 7pm Sat, 8.00am to 12.00 noon & 2.00pm to 6.00pm Sun, 8.30am to 11.30am Rajaandran (012-399 0702) Mon, Fri 4.00pm to 7.00pm Sat, 8.00am to 12.00noon & 2.00pm to 6.00pm Sun, 8.30am to 11.30am Ong Lye Hin (016-212 1947) Mon to Fri, 3.00pm to 7.00pm Sat, 8.00am to 12 noon & 2.00pm to 6.00pm Sun, 2.00pm to 6.00pm RM65 to RM120 per month

remembering.........

Remembering Goh Joon Hai, the quintessential Clubman. By YBhg Dato’ Y. Sivaloganathan (Past President).

We are sad to record the passing of Past President, Mr Goh Joon Hai on 26 December 2018. An economist and an accountant by training, Joon Hai as he was fondly known spent much of his time outside work at the Club. Joon Hai’s early start in life was as a lecturer at the University of Malaya, a position reserved for outstanding students in the old days. He then won a scholarship to the University of British Columbia to pursue a degree in accountancy and on return practised as a Chartered Accountant and served as a council member of MACPA for many years. He was also active in the Hainanese Guild and played the role of a community Elder. Having been an active member concerned with the affairs of the Club, he was encouraged by members to serve in the General Committee, which he did and progressed by acclaim to become the President of our Club from 2006 to 2007. Joon Hai was a much respected past President of the Club often described as a people’s man. He connected well with both members and staff. He was a stickler for rules and as 6

president took the view that he “was a custodian and trustee of membership funds and assets” and jealously safeguarded both much to membership approval. He was a regular attendee at Club AGMs and spoke on issues without fear or favour, always mindful of membership interest - always a champion of just causes.Tan Sri Clifford Herbert (former permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Finance), Joon Hai’s old friend from Victoria Institution and university days, describes him as a “man of impeccable character whose word was his bond”. I last met Joon Hai on the 9th of December at our Club AGM and whilst having refreshments after the meeting jested that “he was eloquent by his silence at the meeting” – for the first time he did not take on issues on the floor. He retorted – taking on issues should be the domain of the young. His departure will be missed dearly by both members and staff. Our Club and our members extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Doris Chou Yoke Meei, sons Keng Jooi and Keng Tiang and daughters Keng Kim and Paik Thoo. May God bless his soul.

ANNOUNCEMENT

SUB COMMITTEES 2018/2019 - CHAIRMAN & DEPUTY CHAIRMAN NO

SUB-COMMITTEES

CHAIRMAN

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

Events & Entertainment

Amuthambigai Tharmarajah

Col Johan Van Geyzel

Food & Beverage

Dato Nik Gee Siew Yee

Elizabeth Tan Chin Poh

Special Functions & Constitutional Review

Dr K J John

Vishnu Kumar

Finance & Machine Room

Datin Paduka Komala Devi

Lim Beng Jin

House & Grounds and ICT

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor

Maharedza Mahadzir

Membership

Col Johan Van Geyzel

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor

Investigation Committee/ Disciplinary Panel

Vishnu Kumar

Maharedza Mahadzir

Human Resources

Dr Balan Dass

Datin Paduka Komala Devi

Sports & Recreation l

Lim Beng Jin

Dr Surindar Singh

Sports & Recreation ll

Dr Surindar Singh

Lim Beng Jin

Library & Publication

Elizabeth Tan Chin Poh

Dr K J John

Dance, Arts & Crafts and RLC Youth Development (Dance-Dancesports, Aerobics, Jazz Ballet, Yoga, Pilates & Belly Dancing)

Maharedza Mahadzir

Amuthambigai Tharmarajah

Tender Committee

Ar Sr Tpr Akbal Singh Sandhu (9436

Logarajah Subramaniam (9122)

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 1. Town Hall Session 2. EGM (TBC) 3. Town Hall Session 4. AGM 5. GC Meeting 6. Membership Introduction

: 24 February 2019 : 31 March 2019 : June & September 2019 (TBC) : 1 December 2019 : Every 3rd Thursday of the month :- 28 February 2019, 25 April 2019, - 25 July 2019, 26 September 2019

Buttery Menu Feï¿½uary Promotion (ALL PRICES RM13+)

Braised Beancurd and Taukan Smoked Chicken Croissant Sandwich 7

WINES SPARKLING WINES WM 03. DE BORTOLI SPARKLING BRUT AUSTRALIA WM 05. PREMIERE BULLE AOC BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2014 FRANCE

Price RM

129 185

CHAMPAGNE WM 07. BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVEE FRANCE

‘ ROSE

WM 10. CARE SOLIDARITY ROSADA 2016 SPAIN

295 75

WHITE WINES WM 13. WARBURN ESTATE RUMOURS SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 AUSTRALIA WM 14. CARE MACABEO - CHARDONNAY 2016 SPAIN WM 16. GRAN FEUDO CHARDONNAY 2014 SPAIN WM 25. J.LOHR PAINTER BRIDGE CHARDONNAY 2015 USA WM 27. PASCAL JOLIVET SAUVIGNON BLANC ATTITUDE 2015 FRANCE WM 28. JOHNNY Q CHARDONNAY 2010 AUSTRALIA WM 32. BODEGAS FRANCO ESPANOLAS RIOJA BORDON BLANCO 2014 SPAIN WM 36. GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 NEW ZEALAND WM 37. MARIMAR ESTATE LA MASIA CHARDONNAY 2014 USA WM 38. DB SEMILLON CHARDONNAY 2014 AUSTRALIA WM 42. PETER LEHMAN BAROSSA ART CHARDONNAY 2015 AUSTRALIA WM 51. MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY 2014 CHILE WM 52. ARADIA CHARDONNAY 2015 AUSTRALIA WM 55. GLORIA FERRER ETESIAN CHARDONNAY 2015 CALIFORNIA WM 56. MARQUES DE MURRIETA CAPELLANIA RESERVA 2011 SPAIN WM 57. ZENATO LUGANA DOC SAN BENEDETTO 2014 ITALY WM 58. TORRES FRANSOLA 2014 SPAIN WM 59. ANAYON CHARDONNAY 2013 SPAIN WM 60. BODEGAS TERRAS GAUDA O’ROSAL 2015 SPAIN

50 75 75 89 99 99 105 179 219 50 85 95 99 149 149 155 159 169 169

RED WINES WM 68. MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2015 CHILE WM 75. LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 ARGENTINA WM 84. GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2011 NEW ZEALAND WM 85. MIGUEL TORRES HEMISFERIO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 CHILE WM 88. WARBURN PREMIUM RESERVE CABERNET MERLOT 2015 AUSTRALIA WM 91. TORRES SANGRE DE TORO RED 2015 SPAIN WM 92. KAIKEN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 ARGENTINA WM 94. LA COUR PAVILLON-BORDEAUX AC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2014 FR. WM 107. ROCKY POINT CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2010 NEW ZEALAND

79 100 235 65 75 79 79 85 199

WM 112. WARBURN ESTATE RUMOURS MOSCATO 2016 AUSTRALIA WM 125. CARE FINCA BANCALES GARNACHA RESERVA 2012 SPAIN WM 127. MORA NEGRA MALBEC BONARDA MALBEC 2014 USA WM 128. BODEGAS FRANCO ESPANOLAS RIOJA BORDON RESERVA 2009 SPAIN WM 129. CHATEAU BONADONA ,VENTOUX 2013 FRANCE WM 134. MARQUES DE MURRIETA GRAN RESERVA TEMPRANILLO 2007 SPAIN

50 139 149 159 159 219

DESSERT WINES WM 140. M.CHAPOUTIER MUSCAT BEAUMES DE VENISE 2014 FRANCE WM 142. MARGAN BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2010 AUSTRALIA

105 149

RLC SELECT Red Laughing Bird Shiraz 2018 Australia

White Cranswick Chardonnay 2016 Australia

WHISKEYS NIKKA BLACK SPECIAL BLENDED WHISKEY

279

MACALLAN 12 YEARS - SINGLE MALT FINE OAK

309

MONKEY SHOULDER BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKEY

259

* Only applicable to bottle sales * 6% service charge applicable

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

MEMBERSHIP INTRODUCTION Wednesday, 28 November 2018 at The Orchid Abbernaa Dhevi

Thomas Abraham

Sandra Jean Corray

Rhoda Yap Jin Lyn

Ir Dr Tan Yean Guan/ Ir Tan Yean Leong

Nicholas Tan Zhi Ren

Saw Yan Chang

Asha Kaloo

Dr Malkit Singh Sekhon

En Mohd Firdaus

Maslina Mansor

Hoi Chee Hoi

S.Padthmavathy HE Mridul Kumar @ Suguna

Dr M. Thomas Chan Kim Hing Abraham

Francis Choo Mei Xian

Ybhg Datin Sri Harikumar Ho Sue Leng

Zaidatul Aleeza

Ybhg Dato Dr Wong Ruen Yuan

Wan Saifulruddin

Jagjeet Singh

Tan Kim Choo

Chiam Xin-jin

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2018

Sunday, 9 December 2018

The 2018 Annual General Meeting of the Royal Lake Club was held on Sunday, 9 December 2018 and attended by 551 voting members. At 10:01 am, the club President, Patrick Chiam Tow Loon as the chair, called the meeting to order, followed by the traditional one minute’s silence observation as a mark of respect to the 51 members who had passed on in 2018. As the in house audit report was far from complimentary in the committee’s management of the club’s resources, attempts were made by K J John, Zait Isa and others for a neutral chairman to moderate the debate on the report. Dato Y. Sivaloganathan was amongst those advocating the need for an independent chairman. He expressed the view that upon debate "the president will descend into the arena of conflict and that the ascending dust will cloud his vision of judgement"---thus the need for the president to recuse himself. He requested that the issue be put to the vote. Despite all efforts, the president refused to put the issue to the vote and continued chairing the meeting much to the membership’s disappointment When the Chairman wanted to start the election process at 12 noon, many members objected and suggested that the election process be started only after the TAC’s and AC’s reports were completely dealt with. Primarily, the club has been running on a deficit for the past few years , hence depleting the club’s reserves. The club would need to stem this outflow if not stop it altogether. Towards this end, the TAC proposed recommendations to appoint a General Manager soon, to have a complete management team and convene an EGM to table proposed subscription increase. Voting was delayed and held from 2 pm -5 pm. Lunch break was from 2 pm -3 pm. The meeting reconvened at 3 pm to discuss the remaining items on the agenda. Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pending the counting of votes.

RESULTS- GENERAL COMMITTEE 2018/2019 Total members registered: Total ballot collected: Registered but did not collect ballot:

551 495 56

PRESIDENT 1. Manjeet Singh Dhillon 2. Foong Khee Seng 3. Chiam Tow Loon, Patrick

249 101 137

VICE PRESIDENT 1. Lt Col (R) Johan Van Geyzel Abdullah 2. Dr Yap Chung Mui

267 205

GENERAL COMMITTEE 1. Dr K J John 2. Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor 3. Datin Paduka Komala Devi 4. Elizabeth Tan Chin Poh 5. Dato’ Nik Gee Siew Yee 6. Amuthambigai Tharmarajah 7. Dr Balan Dass 8. Maharedza Mahadzir 9. Vishnu Kumar R Visvanathan 10. Lim Beng Jin 11. Dr Surindar Singh Jeswant Singh 12. Bernard Ryan Simon 13. Lai Hook Kian, Djn 14. Loke Wai Mun 15. Lee Hung Fong, Hildah 16. Lee Mew Kwan, Pansy 17. Daniel Amarasingam Thuraiappah 18. Balakrishnan Papaiah

277 272 258 242 235 222 207 205 202 182 176 173 163 161 156 141 136 124

The AGM reconvened at 10:35 pm where YBhg Datuk M Ali, the chairman of the Election Committee announced the results:

Turn Around Committee

Audit Committee

The new President- Manjeet Singh Dhillon

Vice President- Lt Col (R) Johan Van Geyzel Abdullah

Dr K J John

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor

Datin Paduka Komala Devi

Elizabeth Tan Chin Poh

Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Nik Gee Siew Yee

Amuthambigai Tharmarajah

Dr Balan Dass

Maharedza Mahadzir

Vishnu Kumar R Visvanathan

Lim Beng Jin

Dr Surindar Singh Jeswant Singh

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

CLUB SAYING â&#x20AC;&#x153;TERIMA KASIHâ&#x20AC;? By Uncle Yap Thursday 29 November 2018 The RLC Appreciation Night is the time-honoured annual occasion when the Club expresses its gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers in all the sub-committees, without whose work and contribution, the Club would not and could not function expeditiously. In addition, the long-suffering spouses from whom quality family time has been taken are similarly recognised. President Patrick Chiam took the opportunity, when welcoming and thanking them for their sacrifice, to remark that, without exception, all reports including financial ones have been issued in a timely manner and urged members to attend the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. He was also confident that campaigns by candidates for office would be positive, as befitting a premier gentlemen's club. Those present partook of the generous spread of food and the liquid refreshments that were made available. Truly a fitting end to another eventful clubbing year.

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT SIGNING By Norfazilah Mohd Zaini Wednesday, 21 November 2018 The Collective Agreement 2018-2020 between the Club and the Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union was successfully completed and signed on 21 November 2018. The negotiation meetings were conducted in a cordial and amicable environment. The Human Resource Sub Committees team was lead by President Mr Patrick Chiam Low Loon & Human Resource Chairman, Miss Hildah Lee Hung Fong, Human Resource Deputy Chairman, Lt Col (R) Johan Van Geyzel, Human Resource Sub-Committee Member, Mrs. Dharmayanthi Muthucumaru, Club Secretary, Mdm Nurzuraida S Abdullah, Human Resource Senior Executive, Pn Norfazilah Binti Mohd Zaini. The Union team was led by President of Club Employee United Peninsular Malaysia (CEUPM), En Mohammad Nazri Ahmad, General Secretary En Rudy Rusly, Assistant Secretary (CEUPM), En Samad Mohd Ali, Treasurer CEUPM Pn Siti Azura Abd Jalil, RLC Branch Chairman En Jeffri Baharuddin and Branch Committee witness Mr Sebastian Arulandu. Our appreciation goes to the staff and Union Representatives for their co-operation and understanding throughout the negotitions.

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day V a le n tDi n inner AT THE ORCHID

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY, 7.00PM MUSIC BY BAND C O M P L I M E N TA RY G L A S S O F W I N E GAME SHOW DOOR GIFTS FOR LADIES LUCKY DRAW PRIZES ROMANTIC WESTERN SET DINNER Sponsored by:

MEMBER: RM90 nett GUEST: RM110 nett Please register at the Reception Counter. For more information,kindly contact Rajes at 03-2698 7878 ext 2223

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

GOODBYE 2018....BRING IT ON 2019! Monday, 31 December 2018

2018 has been a momentous year with a historic regime change that augurs fresh hope for a New Malaysia. On the last night of that momentous year, as we trooped into the Banquet Hall, there was an air of expectancy. The place has a definite festive air, what with the lively music played in the background by the Music Machine. Soon, we were tucking hungrily into our zucchini soup, steak or chicken and dessert. The bar featured a free flow of wine and beer and even a couple of bottles of Scotch. Meanwhile at the Orchid, the Esstee band (with Hashim, Wati and Erisa) was wowing the sold-out crowd with their brand of gentle music; as befitting the less vivacious but genteel audience. It was like the elegant waltz compared to the exciting rock-n-roll upstairs.

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

Further downstairs, the after-dinner crowd started trickling in and it was soon standing room only as late-comers stared at empty seats jealously guarded by members awaiting friends. There should be a rule forbidding seat-booking. First-come-first-served is a fairer standard when demand exceeds supply. Shaun, the indefatigable emcee from the Music Machine kept the Banquet Hall enthralled with his games, making normally sedate members dance and even perform kung-fu moves and seductive manoeuvres. It was certainly entertaining judging by the loud and enthusiastic applause. Soon the magic hour of midnight beckoned and the entire assemblage joined in heartily with the count-down ... 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 - Happy New Year! Simultaneously Auld Lang Syne could be heard reverberating throughout the Club. Welcome 2019! May the new year bring greater fairness, prosperity and justice to our beloved country and may all of us be imbued with more wisdom, patience, good health and happiness. 17

SOCIAL FAIRGROUND

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Saturday, 22 December 2018

One of the enduring traditions of the Club is the Open Days on certain auspicious occasions where the Club’s caterers give back to members in appreciation for their support and patronage. This year’s Open Day on Christmas was held at the Pavilion and the enthusiastic crowd that attended helped themselves to a lavish spread of fried rice, spaghetti aglio olio, fried meehoon, bread and butter pudding and sausages. To add merriment to the occasion, our former President, Encik Rahim was on hand to lead in the singing of Christmas carols … that man with the golden voice is indefatigable. The hundred who were fortunate to attend had a jolly good time.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER Monday, 24 December 2018 The Orchid

For the traditional at heart, nothing beats a Christmas eve dinner at the Orchid, complete with candle lights. The Esstee Band was on hand to provide soft dulcet background music while we went through the traditional fare of Roast Turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce. It was indeed poignant and so nostalgic.

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Tuesday, 25 December 2018 The Orchid Christmas lunch is an event that many look forward to and the crowd at the Orchid on Christmas Day certainly partook of their traditional Christmas fare with gusto. In addition to the Roast Turkey, grilled steak was also available as an alternative. The Esstee Band kept the diners entertained with their brand of soft background music. A good time was had by all.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

MOVIE PARTY SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING Saturday, 1 December 2018 Poolside & Mini Theatre

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Sunday, 16 December 2018

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ but has since grown to become an international cultural event observed around the world. Here at the Club, the children are not forgotten as we gathered at the Banquet Hall. The children, all between the age of 4-12, participated in a series of fun games such as Bottle Garden, Musical Monopoly, Pole Dancing and making the Longest Line. However, it was the Gingerbread Man Cookie Decoration contest that got most of the children becoming creative. As they dug in into spaghetti, hot dogs and butter cake, Santa was in attendance to keep a watchful eye and to distribute presents. It was so much fun and frolic that it was difficult to say goodbye. Merry Christmas !

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Hash Anniversary Run and Dinner By David Wee Tuesday, 18 December 2018 After 2 months of intense planning, the Glam and Glitter themed event in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the RLC Harriers was successful held on 18th December 2018. The Run Freebies were distributed to participants before the 6km run which could not begin without the obligatory group picture. Soon the Quadrangle was swarming with hashers attired gaily in orange and green t-shirts. Mr David Yap, during whose Presidency of RLC the Harriers Section was inaugurated was on hand and old-timers rushed to shake the hands of the man who was instrumental in introducing Hash to the Club. The runners were led by the energetic Sue Ng for a series of warm-up exercises. Grand Master Bala flagged off the run. The trail with 3 checks laid by Wendy Lum and Lumkor, covered two stretches of jungles plus Taman Tugu before looping back to RLC via Padang Merbok. FROP was Rajesh followed by CC Goh, while the rest straggled in before 7.30pm for their beers, alcoholic fruit punch and finger food. Circle was short with sinners like Bentong Mayor, the suited-up GM Bala and Bill Gates’ representative being “on downed”. The returnees from SHOT Kampot were also honoured for rushing back for the grand occasion. Then the crowd went to clean up and to be decked up for the Glam and Glitter Party at the Orchid Room.

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The Venezuelan Dancer The Glam and Glitter Party The 150 hashers and guests entered the hallowed Orchid Room where the Esstee band was playing soft background music. As to be expected, the thirsty hashers made a beeline for the Bar where whisky, wine and beer flowed freely. When the 150 participants were seated, David Yap, the Hash Founder led past GMs for the cutting of the 20th Anniversary Cake. Then Prema and her troupe of dancers ( comprising Thamby Chai, Ann Choo , Kumar, Sandesh and Gwen ) gave a flawless rendition of Shape of You by Ed Sheeran to the applause of the appreciative crowd. This was followed by a dance demonstration of a fusion dance of South American Indian dance and Belly dance, by Venuzuelan hash beauty, Nila Palacios. Dinner and desserts were served throughout the event. After that, Hashers took to the dance floor and we danced our way into the wee hours of the morning. It had indeed been an enjoyable and memorable event.

RLC HARRIERS 2019 At the Hash section's AGM held after the Tuesday run on 8 January, the following were elected to office : Convener : Dr Yap Chung Mui Committee Members : Dato Steven Oon Afifuddin Ahmad Hafifi David Liew Calvin Chong

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THE ANNUAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP & THE ANNUAL DINNER By YBhg Dato’ Mustafa Md Ali Thursday, 15 November 2018

The Annual Golf Championship took place on Thursday 15th November 2018 at the Staffield Golf & Country Resort, Mantin, Negri Sembilan. Some 72 players took part in the Competition. A chartered bus ferried some 34 players from our Club to the Golf Course whilst the rest drove themselves to Staffield. The weather that morning was a bit wet and some players decided not to finish the game due to the inclement weather. The Gross Champion for the Men was Hasbullah Hashim (handicap11) beating Teh Wee Yang (7) on countback. B K Chen (20) was the Nett champion beating Dato’ Tan Seng Chee (24) on count back while Emy Yap won the Nett Ladies prize beating her own daughter, Hanna Azuree Daud (15) on countback.

The Annual dinner took place on Sunday 18 November 2018 evening at The Orchid Room. Some 105 members and their spouses attended. The Chairperson of the Golf section Miss Hildah Lee gave a short speech and so did Dato’ Mustafa the golf section Convenor outlining the success of the golf section in 2018. The vice President of the Club Col. Johan Van Geyzel was also present at the dinner. The prize giving ceremony took place after dinner. There were a total of 54 prizes and about 100 lucky draw prizes some of which were donated by the section members. Gross category Champion Runner up 3rd Placing 4th Placing 5th Placing

: Hasbullah Hashim : Teh Wee Yang : Dato’ Azizi Yom Ahmad : Dato’ Sri James YW Tan : Datuk A Sani Karim

(11) (7) (10) (9) (15)

81 OCB 81 83 84 OCB 84

: B K Chen : Dato’ Tan Seng Chee : Lee Ming Tiong : Pietro Martucci : Hassanudin Puteh

(20) (24) (24) (24) (19)

66 OCB 66 69 70 OCB 70

: B K Chen : Dato’ Tan Seng Chee : Lee Ming Tiong : Pietro Martucci : Hassanudin Puteh

(20) (24) (24) (24) (19)

66 OCB 66 69 70 OCB 70

: Emy Yap

(22)

73 OCB

Nett category Champion Runner up 3rd Placing 4th Placing 5th Placing Senior category Champion Runner up 3rd Placing 4th Placing 5th Placing Ladies Category Champion

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RLC Darts Section Annual Dinner 2018 By Osman Khan Friday, 21 December 2018 The RLC Darts Section held its Annual Dinner on Friday 21st December 2018 at the Pavilion. As the Christmas Night event was also held in conjunction with it, a good spread of Western dishes was laid out including roast chicken, lamb meat balls, beef bourguignon, mushroom and fish pie and, of course, roast turkey, plus the trimmings, to everyone's delight. As customary, the prize giving ceremony for the Darts League and Championship competitions was held during the dinner. The top 3 prizes for the Darts League competition went to Captain (R) Farouk, Johan and Osman Khan. The 2018 Darts Champion prize was awarded to Robert Newton with Captain (R) Farouk receiving the runner-up prize. For the Darts Doubles Team championship, the first prize went to Johan and Robert Low whilst Captain (R) Farouk and his wife Farrah received the runner-up team prize. All in all, the evening was enjoyed by all the Darts Section members who attended the function.

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RLC ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA 2018 By Chris Wong Sunday, 4 November 2018 On a cheerful Sunday, the loudest applause was reserved for our effervescent Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aljafri Abdul Majid who has been faithfully flying the flag in every swimming gala in 2018. His sporting spirit is an inspiration for all ages and undoubtedly this spirit is encapsulated in the effort of every child who participated in this gala. You could sense the excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm among the children throughout the morning. Their camaraderie and support for their friends and swim mates were generously expressed. The series of swimming galas held in 2018 offer the children glimpses of the etiquette in sport meets, spirit and sportsmanship in competing, and camaraderie in friendship. Amongst the more talented swimmers we hope that this was the small step that will launch them into a much bigger arena. For those that did not collect medals we trust that they will be encouraged to improve for the future. The essence of the gala was to have fun and we believe that the noise and energy that reverberated over the entire morning exemplified that. A lot of parents and friends gave the club and the gala their support and contribution through their enthusiastic cheering and encouragement. Well done, parents. Fifty three swimmers in total took part. The swimming events are classified by age groups and the youngest participant was Jared Kong Xiang Ye who will soon turn seven. A large number of the boys and girls train with our club coaches and a handful are trained by their schools and/or other swim clubs. The largest contingent of swimmers was from the RLC Pre-Competition Training Team. We also enjoyed the Family Relay 50M freestyle, which was a great hit with five teams taking part.

The gala was marshalled by members of the Swimming Sub-Committee, the Club staff, coaches and parents, who collectively put in such a sterling effort to ensure that the meet was vibrant and successful. Milo was the sponsor and they contributed drinks and prize hampers. Thank you Milo. Of course we must not forget our beacon Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aljafri Abdul Majid. May you continue to inspire us in future galas. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and see you in 2019.

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RACQUET GAMES ANNUAL DINNER By Loke Wai Mun Sunday, 11 November 2018 Racquet games comprising Tennis, Badminton, Squash and Table Tennis held a joint annual dinner in mid-November at the Banquet Hall. After a brief presentation of the various activities, the popular karaoke session kicked off with Dr P.L.Kee of the tennis section wooing the crowd with a husky Engelbert Humperdinck number, “Sweetheart”. Loke Mun Kit of Table Tennis sang the Cantonese classic “Shanghai Beach” followed by Chan Tow Chai & Katherine of Badminton Section with a Cantonese duet. Finally, Christine of Squash gave a sexy rendition of a Cha-Cha-Cha song “Sway”. Lady representatives were required to dance to the Beatles classic “I Saw Her Standing There”. The ladies sportingly did the Twist and rocked away to the delight of the audience. Christine of Squash got the loudest applause and was judged the winner. In the Men’s section, Henry of Squash who had more dance variations was judged the winner. President Patrick Chiam gave away the five prizes for the Lucky Draw. After that, it was dancing time and we danced away until midnight and of course, a good time was had by all.

RLC REAL CHAMPIONS Friday to Monday, 2 to 5 November 2018 At the recently concluded Wu Liang Golden Cup World Badminton Championships held in Chengdu China in early November 2018, two RLC badminton players, Loong Chee Meng and Goh Kim Chuan did Malaysia and the Club proud when they won gold in the 140 combined age men’s doubles tournament. On the way to their gold, they beat opponents mainly from China and in the finals, they defeated a Taiwanese pair quite comfortably. This annual competition for seniors attracted some 4000 participants from all over the world and the Malaysian team comprised 87 players. In the overall standing, the Malaysian team emerged second in terms of overall performance and medals won. Of course, host China took the overall honours. We are quite delighted that two RLC members brought pride and honour to Club and country. 27

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Karaoke Section Annual Night By Bob Yong Saturday, 22 December 2018 Karaoke Section Annual Night was the last event of the year organised by 2018 Karaoke Subcommittee. It was an impromptu effort of the remaining 3 Section subcommittee members and the delay of organising this event was due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances. For the past few months prior to this event, the club was faced with a shortage of staff. The situation was further aggravated by the resignation of the F&B Manager and the executive who overseeing the administrative affairs of Karaoke Section was on 3 months medical leave. The above event was eventually held as planned on Saturday, December 22, amidst the unhappiness of a handful of Section members who in view of their own personal preferences, wanted the event to be postponed to the following year. The subcommittee decided to go ahead with the planned event as soon as the number of 50 participants had registered. Dinner was held at Bunga Raya Restoran and the Karaoke Fun was staged at Teratai Karaoke Lounge. Five food vouchers were awarded to winners (Section members only) who had correctly answered some simple questions on Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past Karaoke activities. The event closed at 12.00 midnight.

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The Lake Club Snooker Section Annual Dinner Sunny Lee and WK Lai Saturday, 24 November 2018 The Annual Dinner for the Snooker and Billiards section members is always a much looked-forward-to event and this year was no different. To make the evening more interesting, it was decided to hold a doubles tournament during the buffet dinner where a good player was randomly paired with a not-as-good player The winner of the tournament was the partnership between Michael and Capt Low with Chi Der and WK Lai as runners-up. The winners walked away with RM400, while the runners-up RM300 and the other semi-finalists with RM200 The competition was intense and did not finish until midnight but every body enjoyed the intrigue and the good spread of food.

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2018 ASIA PACIFIC MASTERS GAMES By Henry Sim Poh Khun Friday to Saturday, 7 to 15 September 2018 This inaugural Asia Pacific Masters Games was held in Penang and involved 22 sports in 18 venues across Penang with participation from more than 60 countries. For squash, the events were held at the Nicol David International Squash Centre with 111 participants in the various age groups. Royal Lake Club members, Amman Singh and Tan How Kian competed in the 70-74 age group while Henry Sim Poh Khun in the 75-80 age group.

Amman Singh won the Bronze medal in his age group while Sim Poh Khun achieved fourth placing in his. It was a very exciting outing for the Three Musketeers from RLC. We look forward to the next challenge, the World Masters Games in Kansai, Japan in 2021.

THE HAMZAH TROPHY By Dr. Heenie Lee Friday, 26 October 2018 On 26th October, Royal Selangor Club (RSC) played hosts for The Hamzah Trophy. RSC changed the format of play to accommodate more ardent darters. With the addition of a lady single and mixed double events, both our two lady representatives had a chance to participate.

The final score was 10-6 in our host's favour. Thanks to Farouk, Farrah, Newton and Rena, we managed to secure 6 points . It wasn't a one-sided match as the score suggested, but rather our failure to finish off the game when we had the chance.

NEW READS AT THE LIBRARY DRUMS OF AUTUMN by Diana Gabaldon THE FOURTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING OUTLANDER SERIES. How far will a woman travel to find a father, a lover a destiny? Across seas, across time-across the grave itself. It began in Scotland, at an ancient stone circle. Claire Randall was swept through time into the arms of James Fraser whose love for her became legend - a tale of tragic passion that ended with her return to the present to bear his child. Two decades later, Claire travelled back again to reunite with Jamie, this time in frontier America. But Claire had left someone behind in her own time - their daughter Brianna. Now Brianna has made a disturbing discovery that sends her to the stone circle and a terrifying leap into the unknown. In search of her mother and the father she has never met, she risks her own future to try to change history - and to save their lives. But as Brianna plunges into an uncharted wilderness, a heartbreaking encounter may strand her forever in the past - or root her in the place she should be, where her heart and soul belong...

BILLION DOLLAR WHALE by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope If you like global intrigue, financial crime, wealth porn, and absurdity, “Billion Dollar Whale,” by Tom Wright and Bradley Hope, is for you. It’s the story of Jho Low, an enterprising businessman from Malaysia who used his social connections to the country’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak to transform himself into an international financier. According to Wright and Hope’s account, Low persuaded Razak to create an investment fund, 1MDB, financed with government money, which Low managed behind the scenes. Goldman Sachs and other banks helped raise ten billion dollars for the fund. Then approximately five billion dollars of the money disappeared, prompting an international scandal. Five billion is a large sum, perhaps too much to easily dispense with in a short amount of time, but the book’s opening scene offers an idea of where it went. In November, 2012, the sweaty, awkward Low threw himself a thirty-first birthday party, in Las Vegas. The guests included the hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz, the actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro, and many unnamed beautiful women, and all were chauffeured by limousine to a night club that had been transformed into a circus-party space, where Cristal flowed like water. There, more celebrities appeared, including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, along with investment bankers who had worked with Low. Low was gifted three Ducati motorcycles and a two-and-a-half-million-dollar sports car. The high point came when Britney Spears jumped out of a giant birthday cake wearing a skimpy gold outfit. The whole thing is so tacky and over the top it almost seems made up. Still, anyone who has followed the news out of Malaysia will know that the story is all too real. Razak was recently arrested on corruption charges related to the missing billions—he has pleaded not guilty on all counts—and the new Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad, who was elected in May, pledges to bring reform and transparency to the troubled government. Low, meanwhile, has been accused of spending money on parties, high-end American real estate, and the production of Hollywood movies, including “The Wolf of Wall Street.” He remains at large.

BUSINESS ADVENTURES by John Brooks “[Brooks] provides the early version of what we think of as Malcolm Gladwell–style or Freakonomics-style lessons. . . . But Brooks features another trait that modern business writers, whether James Stewart, Malcolm Gladwell, or Michael Lewis, do not. Brooks is truly willing to give up his own views to get inside the mind of all his subjects.” - National Review. “More than two decades after Warren [Buffett] lent it to me-and more than four decades after it was first published-Business Adventures remains the best business book I’ve ever read . . . Brooks’s deeper insights about business are just as relevant today as they were back then.” - Bill Gates, The Wall Street Journal “The prose is superb. Reading Brooks is a supreme pleasure. His writing turns potentially eye-glazing topics (e.g., price-fixing scandals in the industrial electronics market) into rollicking narratives. He’s also funny. . . . He tells entertaining stories replete with richly drawn characters, setting them during heightened moments within the world of commerce.” —Slate

HOLLOW CITY – MISS PEREGRINE’S by Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it “an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.” This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises. Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight

MAIN LIBRARY HOURS Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 8.30pm

Public Holiday 10.00am - 6.00pm 31

TRAVEL

10 COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT IN FUKUOKA The largest city in the southern Japan’s island of Kyushu is the new IT destination for 2019 with its fascinating history, scenic natural wonders, and tantalising food. Its story began as two cities Hakata and Fukuoka, which were merged as one in 1899. Divided by a central river, Hakata prospered as a port city and a cultural centre while Fukuoka reigns with rich samurai heritage. Legend even has it that a group of samurais crashed the council meeting to insist that the new city be called Fukuoka. It has since become the main gateway to explore the wonders of Kyushu. Here are top 10 cool things you should check out when in Fukuoka: Credit to: travel360

1. Futamigaura Beach (White Tori Gate) While locals have long cherished the serenity of Futamigaura Beach, tourists have only recently started to put it on the holiday radar. It’s not that hard to pinpoint why – lined along the scenic shores are plenty of cafes to kick back and enjoy the soft crashing waves. Sunset is especially stunning here, with the backdrop of a white tori gate and twin monoliths named Izanagi and Izanami (affectionately known as ‘Wedded Rocks’) making the view uniquely Fukuoka. 2. Kumamoto Castle There’s no need to wait for cherry blossom season to appreciate Kumamoto Castle. Built in the 17th century during the reign of local feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, the castle is considered to be one of the ‘Three Great Castles of Japan’ along with Nagoya Castle and Osaka Castle.

3. Ibusuki Hot Sand Bath Would you like to experience sunamushi, the Japanese sand bath? The sand along the shores of Ibusuki is naturally heated courtesy of the onsen (hot spring) water bubbling underneath the grounds. The volcanic sand is even said to be three to four times more beneficial than the average onsen bath. Benefits include improving circulation, increasing blood-oxygen levels, and removing impurities from the body. 4. Kushida Shrine Founded in the year 757 and rebuilt in the 16th century, the tutelary shrine is known as the starting point of the fast-paced Oiyama of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, where men in loincloths race to carry floats through the streets of Hakata early in the morning. A float is permanently displayed at the shrine, and two tablets about the Mongol invasion sit at the foot of a ginkgo tree.

TRAVEL 8. Takachiho Gorge Formed some 100,000 years ago from the volcanic eruptions of the neighbouring Mount Aso area, Takachicho Gorge was designated as a National Scenic and Natural Monument in 1934. Exquisite views of dramatic cliffs and the Manai Waterfalls falling into the Gokase River can be enjoyed at the viewing platform, but if you can spare some cash, go for the bamboo boat ride and enjoy the beauty up close.

5. Hells of Beppu Designated as one of ‘Three Hot Springs in Japan’, the Hells of Beppu is a cluster of eight magnificent hot springs located in the city of Beppu. Each hot spring has a unique characteristic of its own. With its massive pond of orange-red bubbling mud, Chinoike Jigoku is one of the more popular spots while visitors can also visit Kamado Jigoku, known as the ‘Cooking Pot Hell’. 6. Traditional Yatai Ramen Stall You can’t visit Fukuoka without having a go at Tonkotsu Ramen, considering this is its birthplace. Tonkotsu ramen is pork-broth based, served with wheat noodles and best eaten by slurping the soup right from the bowl. Look out for the traditional yatai ramen stalls that are synonymous with the Kyushu prefecture region.

7. Kirishima Jingu Shrine Originally built during the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573), the Kirishima Jingu Shrine has gone through a few natural disasters at its original location until it was rebuilt at its present location in 1715. Many legends are associated with this place, including the most popular one, which tells the story of the grandson of sun goddess Amateresu, Ninigi no Mikoto, who descended to Earth to establish a lineage of Japanese emperors.

9. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugiwara Michizane, a poet, scholar and politician from the Heian period who is revered as Tenman-Tenjin, the God of Learning. Highlights around the 3,000-acre grounds include the honden (main shrine) that was first built in 905, a pond shaped in the Japanese Kanji character which means ‘heart’, as well as approximately 6,000 ume (plum) trees, said to be a favourite of Sugiwara Michizane.

10. Saga International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Just one hour from Fukuoka city centre by train is Saga, home to Japan’s largest hot air balloon festival held annually in autumn. Come to witness the competitive events or simply marvel at the hundreds of hot air balloons in many colours, shapes and characters (Doraemon included!). The true highlight is the La Montgolfier Nocturne event, when the illuminated balloons are moored up in air creating a brilliant skyline. GETTING THERE: AirAsia will commence flights to Fukuoka from Kuala Lumpur from 28 February 2019 onwards. Grab low fares and get your travel inspiration via travel360.com 33

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD PUZZLE Edited by Uncle Yap RLC 229 proved to be elusive as only four members managed to get all the answers correct. Congratulations to Chew Yoke Lim (7906), Maureen Mokhlis (10262), Wong Kok Heng (12035) and T.V.Sekhar (15678). Each of you will be awarded a RM25 F&B voucher. For 2019, we shall be embarking on another round of country visits. We are fortunate at the Club to have some enthusiastic Ambassadors and High Commissioners who have agreed to sponsor our competitions which will be based on their respective countries. We hope to have a workshop after each competition for the answers to be explained and for the prizes to be presented by the respective diplomats. Please watch out for the notices but better still, get yourself on my mail-list (see box below) to be fully informed by email. So, it is off to another country for some happy solving. In addition to solving the puzzle, you should also create a clue for the answer to 10 Across (a 5-lettered word). Completed entries should be placed in the box in the Main Library before noon, Thursday 31st January 2019. Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai…may the new year bring you happiness, good health and merriment.

Answer Grid for RLC 229

RLC Crossword No 230 set by Uncle Yap Across 9 It's essential to score goal, Bob - it must be arranged (9) 10 See 12 11 Figure Mary's into ducking the wrong way round (7) 12,14D,10 Move huge bible paper to crafty country (3,4,8,2,5) 13 Panes shattered by tides (5) 14 Stubborn horse's back-band (9) 16 How to address Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (6,9) 19 Popular press chief backing engineer in black (9) 21 Second president half-hearted for flower in Czech Republic (5) 22 Chinese into Italian wine for Ghanaian people (7) 23 Clue for Ayer on first of January? (3,4) 24 Without bar (5) 25 Area covered by paintings of energy producers (9) Down 1 2 3 4 5 Entry Form for RLC 230 6 7 8 14 15 17 18 20 21 Members who want an explanation for all the clues in last issue’s 22 puzzle are invited to e-mail yfyap88@gmail.com with the subject 23 “Crossword answers please” and you will be placed on the mail-list to receive by e-mail, explanations for all the clues.

Pomp disorganised with Gandhi extremely angry (7,3) Old Georgians from Spain or Portugal (8) Misogynist distraught without tiny gadget (6) Distressed like Telly Savalas? (4) Rogue set up treatment for language (10) One piper cooked spicy sausage (8) Composite car (6) Try to pierce (4) See 12 Across Starship, a business concern (10) Short spooky head with weird quality (8) Oriental puff? (8) Monster of a puzzler at Giza (6) Greenhorn on the net (6) Soldiers crazy without leader (4) River starts to narrow in Land's End (4)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE EDITED BY JEFF H. S. KEOW

Results/Worked Example of Sudoku Challenge: November/December 2018 Issue. Adapted No. 05 (Hard) from Sudoku Hell by Tetsuya Nishio (Vertical, Inc. New York 2009). C1 R1 R2

8 56

R8 R9

54 3

4 55 9

1 8

3 2 9 5

5 4

6 91 38 5

57 7 1 6 69 3 4 52 8 53 9 6

Fig. 1: LS(69) yields 52, B9; LS(47) yields 38, B7. C1 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9

4 54 1 55 9 3 8 813 3 2 5 49 9 5 8 4 57 7 56 710 1 6 811 69 69 3 4 52 7 6 414 116 8 53 9 91 38 5 2 2 812 115 6

Fig. 2: 3rd LS(2) in B8 yields 115 by OD logic.

Source analysis (SA): Seek out the 1st soln. in the bands/stacks. Every soln. is followed up in all Rs/Cs/Bs faced by it due to R/C/B rules, (defined as “T1/T2 territories”) subject to conditions. In f.-ups, “strategic” locked set (LS) of candidates have priority over soln. Of OC/OD logic, only soln. by OD logic is shown. 1. Source soln C1: [9] in B1, B4, R8: 91, B7. F. up 91, R7(T2): Due to [691] in B7, [69] in B9: 1st LS(69), R7/B8, LS principle. 2. F. up LS(69), R7(T1): [5] in B7, C9: 52, B9. 3. F. up 52, R8(T2): [52] in B9, [5] in C4, B7: 53, B8. 4. F. up 53, C5(T2): [53] in B8; [5] in B5, R3: 54, B2. 5. F. up 54, R2(T2): [54] in B2, [5] in B3, C3: 55, B1.

6. F. up 55, C2(T2): [55] in B1; [5] in R4, B7: 56, B4. 7. F. up 56, R5(T2): [56] in B4, [5] in B5, C9: 57, B6. No f. up; go back to 56. 2nd F. up 56, B4(T1): [47] in R5, C1: 2nd LS(47), B4. (deduced to get to 38 in B7.) 8. F. up LS(47), C2(T1): [3] in B1, R7; (47) in C2: 38, B7. 9. F. up 38, C2(T1): [4] in B1, R7: 49, B4. Resume analysis in Figure 2. Note 1: Every soln. is f. up in its R/C/B called its “T1 territory”. It is also f. up in other Cs/Bs when it is in its R; f. up in other Rs/Bs when it is in its C; f. up in other R//Cs when it is in its B, using “facing/cannot-contain relationships” with Rs/Cs/Bs faced due to R/C/B rules. These other Rs/Cs/Bs faced are “T2 territory”.

10. F. up 49, B4(T1): [7] in C1, R5: 710, B4. No f. up; go back to 2nd f. up of 38 in B7. 11. 2nd F. up 38, B7(T1): [8] in R8, C2: 811, B7. 12. F. up 811, B9(T2): [811] in R7; [8] in R8, C8: 812, B9. No f. up; go back to 811. 13. 2nd F. up 811, C1(T2): [811] in B7; [8] in B4: 813, B9. 14. 3rd F. up 811, C3(T1): [4] in B1; [49] in B4: 414, B7. No f. up. F. up for other solns by OC/OD? Any more strategic LS? Another “source” soln.? Since there is no f. up of other solns.; also no more “source” soln., a 3rd LS must be present. Where can it be found? Focus on B8. Eureka! 2nd F. up of LS(69), B8(T1): [2] in C4: 3rd LS(2), B8/R9.h

15. F. up LS(2), R9(T1): Missing [147]. [4] in B9; [7] in C8: 115, B9, OD logic. 16. F. up 115, B8(T2): [115] in R9: 116, B8.. It is clear that from the 17th soln. to the final 58th soln., the Sudoku is solved directly and easily. Note 2: Skills in deducing LSs of candidates: Strategic LSs form part of the “character” of a Sudoku. The No 5 “Sudoku Hell” Sudoku contains a) 1st LS(69) which is deduced from the follow-up of 91; it then yields 52 b) 2nd LS(47) which is a 2nd f. up of 56; it then yields 38; c) 3rd LS(2) which is a f. up of 53; it then yields 115 by These 3 LSs enable direct f. up solns. which, otherwise, can only be deduced by “what if” analysis, a trial-anderror approach. It is vital to master LSs.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF SUDOKU CHALLENGE (November – December 2018 ISSUE) RM50/- Meal Voucher

No winner

RM10/- Meal Voucher

Mr Tan Kean Hin, M/No: 13659; Mr Soh Chee Gee; M/No: 15274

Comments: LS(69) in B8 enables 11 solns. to be deduced. Without LS(47) in B4, 12th soln. cannot be logically deduced. Prize and Recognition For this Sudoku Challenge, normally up to three (3) entries with the best answers will receive a food voucher worth RM50/- each valid at any food outlet of the Club for a period of 3 months. In addition, up to 5 or more entries will receive a food voucher of RM10/- each as consolation prizes.

C1 R1

Submission of Entries Submit your entry by hand/by post to reach the Library by 2 weeks after release of Newsletter.

Name of Member: (Mr/Ms/Mrs/En/Cik/Puan/Dr/Dato’ etc) _____________________________

Membership No: __________ Tel/HP/Email: ____________ (Please state “spouse”) (wef March/April 2018, only 1 membership no. is eligible for a prize.) Instructions a) a) Fill in the blank cells in the Sudoku with digits from 1 to 9 so that each row, column and block contains the digits from 1 to 9 without repeating any. b) b) Also, mark-in the strategic “locked” sets (LS) of candidate digits to break the Sudoku code in the grid itself. This is a required condition. c) c) Record your sequence of results in A4 paper. Attach your results to the solved Sudoku, showing R/C/B analysed, position, only OD used need be shown. Show the strategic LS in your table of results and in the grid. The LS can be LS(x) in a block along a R/C; LS(xy) in a R/C/B; LS(xyz) in a R/C/B; LS(wxyz) in a R/C/B. LS is deduced by LS principle that is based on OC/OD logic, which in turn are based on R/C/B rules.. d) The decision of the judges is final.

Criteria for Winning Entries: Quality: Only strategic locked sets are valid; how LS are used in follow-up to deduce the solution should be shown. Digits as missing digits used to deduce the solution should be given. We look for simplest LS used; shortest path taken; easiest technique used; most elegant approach in deducing solutions systematically/sequentially.

3 2 9

1 8

8 7 1

9 9

R5 R6

SOLUT ION 426 958 137 591 736 284 873 214 965 149 567 328 682 349 571 357 821 649 718 693 452 264 185 793 935 472 816

R7 R8 R9

7 2 4

8 5

3 7 8

Adapted from NIKOLI Co. Ltd., Japan published in Star 2 (Malaysia) on 4 November 2018

TRIBUTES The club extends its condolences to the family and friends of the following members who are no longer with us.

Hassan Abdul Karim passed away on 15 May 2016. A member since 8 July 1977.

Lokman Razani Bin Abdul Razak passed away on 19 August 2018. A member since 31 July 1991.

Walter Pollack Stewart passed away on 7 January 2017. A member since 12 August 1985.

Dr Jasbir Kaur Sarjit Singh passed away on 11 October 2018. A member since 10 August 1984.

YBhg Tan Sri Zakaria Hj Mohd Ali passed away on 10 April 2018. A member since 14 October 1983.

Dr Om Prakash a/l Kanshi Ram passed away on 15 May 2018 . A member since 25 August 1971.

Neil C Satterwhite passed away on 16 June 2018 . A member since 1 July 1998.

YBhg Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Peter Velappan passed away on 20 October 2018. A member since 31 July 1991.

Patrick S F Wong passed away on 22 October 2018. A member since 12 November 1979.

Goh Joon Hai passed away on 26 December 2018 . A member since 16 December 1976.

* The publication of these announcements are based on notifications within the last one month. 36

SUNDAY AT THE

20 January

INCREDIBLES 2 11.00am

MEG 3.00pm

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP 3.00pm

. .

17 February

. . . .

TAG 3.00pm

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN 11.00am

3 February

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3 11.00am

6 January

ACTION POINT 11.00am

THE DARKEST MIND 3.00pm