Nature Society to be voice of people

New Straits Times 24 Jan 10;

KUALA LUMPUR: Like the tapir that has become its recognisable mascot, the Malaysian Nature Society has seen and been through it all.
Seventy years down the road, MNS continues to fight many green causes in the country.

During a briefing of its 70th anniversary celebration yesterday, president Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor stressed that MNS strived to be the "voice of the people" as it belonged to everyone who wanted a green Malaysia.

With nature as the classroom and a little guidance from experts, MNS believed that anyone of all ages can go green -- a belief it has held since its inception in 1940.

"MNS is not for people who hug trees. It is for everyone.

"We're not extremists. We're not against the government. But we won't hesitate to be critical if something is wrong."

But Salleh lamented that MNS "could do better" than the current 3,800 members.

"If you become a member, we will help you express your concerns," he said.

With its tagline "70 years: Conserving Nature, Celebrating Life", this year's activities are focused on conserving nature for the present and future generations of Malaysians.