Unveiled Truths: A Lion's Quest for Justice

Wolves Among Lions by Luqman Michel is a compelling and candid exposé that delves into the author's tumultuous experience within his former Lions Club in Kota Kinabalu. This 180-page book chronicles Michel’s determined quest for justice and transparency in the face of alleged misconduct, mismanagement, and ethical breaches within the club. Driven by a deep-seated belief in upholding truth, Michel documents his efforts to address issues such as manipulated meeting minutes, undisclosed bank accounts, and questionable leadership practices, which he argues contradict the Lions Club’s motto of “We Serve.”

The book is structured as a detailed narrative, blending personal reflections, email correspondences, meeting notes, and constitutional references to present a thorough case against the club’s leadership. Michel’s journey begins with his expulsion from the club, which sparks his relentless pursuit to expose what he perceives as systemic wrongs, including financial irregularities and procedural violations.

Through chapters like “The Expulsion,” “Discovery of Additional Bank Accounts,” and “Special Meeting to Dismiss Luqman Michel,” the author meticulously outlines the events, supported by evidence and his interactions with club members, Lions Club International (LCI), and other stakeholders.

Michel’s writing is both introspective and confrontational, weaving in philosophical reflections inspired by figures like Gandhi and Khalil Gibran to underscore his commitment to doing what is right, even when standing alone.

The foreword by Nai Seng Tan sets the tone, questioning the sincerity of charitable acts performed for publicity and highlighting the moral dilemmas at the heart of the book. Michel also acknowledges the support of key individuals, such as his sponsor Norman Lie and Diane Carmelia, who bolstered his resolve to challenge the status quo.

Wolves Among Lions is more than a recounting of personal grievances; it is a call to action for accountability within charitable organizations. Michel’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for hypocrisy and self-interest to undermine altruistic missions, urging readers to question the integrity of those who lead under the guise of service. This book will resonate with anyone passionate about justice, transparency, and the true meaning of community service.