1st BP 14th Anniversary

Today 12^th June, 2013, 1^st Batu Pahat Boys’ Brigade Company would have been celebrating our 14^th anniversary.

An update of the celebration of the success of our Boys.

COMPANY COMMANDERS (in brackets their enrolment number) :-

1999 – 2000 L/CPL JONATHAN TENG (30), a pharmacist, practising in General Hospital Seremban, married Ms. Cynthia Ang on 8^th December, 2012 at GGBP.

2001 – 2002 SGT ADRIAN LEVINRAJ MAHALINGAM (32), now an engineer based in Wellington, New Zealand and married to Sue Ann, no children yet.

2003 SGT GERALD LIAN (24) and SGT SERENE TAN (25). Gerald is now a pharmacist, presently on holidays after practising in Kaniva, Victoria, Australia, still single for the time being. Serene is now a teacher in Perth, Australia, having done her post graduate studies in Murdoch. She’s still single but I hear going may be doing her “Mrs.” Degree soon.

2004 SSGT MATTHEW CHONG KWOK THONG (1) graduated from University Kebangsaan Malaysia and is now a doctor with the Ministry of Health in Singapore. He is now based at KK Hospital.

2005 SGT WU PHANG JIM (33) is now an electrical and electronic engineer in Kuala Lumpur, in a relationship.

2006 – 2007 CPL - SGT MALCOLM CHONG KWOK WEI (2) is a JPA scholar and has just graduated from University of Guelph (near Toronto), Ontario, Canada.

2007 CPL MATTHEW GOH (34) – Architect, graduated University TAR. Probably going for his Masters.

2008 till 8/3/2008 L/CPL WU CHUI JAYN (96) is a JPA scholar now at Melbourne University reading Pharmacy.

OTHER NASCENT MEMBERS

On 12/6/1999 a total of 37 nascent members joined our company [apart from the names above (in brackets their enrolment number)] and who had remained with the company for some time afterwards :-

Tan Khai Chen (3) -

Tan Khai Yoong (4) – reading law in Cardiff University, UK

Abel Tan (6) – studying in KL

CPL Wong Chern Xi (7) – Masters in Architecture from Australia

Wong Xie Yi (8) – completed her Pharmacy degree from Australia

Our SSGT Woo Xi Zin (11), a graduate teacher now based in the interiors of Sabah, also know as WooZin or Joseph Woo has just announced his wedding date on Saturday, 14 December 2013 at 10:30 at Gereja Grace Batu Pahat to Ms. Eliana Pak.

James See (13) – Human Resource Manager in AE Automotion Batu Pahat

Jasmine Low (14) – In KL doing teachers’ training

Janie Low (15) – Accountant based now in Batu Pahat after a stint in Singapore and KL

Daniel Chow (16) - overseas

Sarah Wong (17) – graduated from Calvin University, USA and now teaching at Taylors in PJ/Subang

Gabriel Kuo (22) – a medical student in Australia

Wong Chern Jin (23) – studying in KL

Sofia Lim (26) – Doctor, in KL General, graduated from IMU, KL

Ivianda Ivung (28) – medical representative in Klang Valley

Edwin Ivung (29) – now working in Labuan after a stint with TGIF at the Curve (where he gave me a family discount)  

Joshua Teng (31) – reading law at University of Cambridge, England

Marilyn Goh (35) – graduated from TARC and now based in KL

Martin Goh (36) – architect, now probably living in Birmingham, UK.

Till another year for another update.

Our 13th Anniversary update

Today 12^th June, 2012, 1^st Batu Pahat Boys’ Brigade company would have been celebrating our 13^th anniversary.

Today let’s celebrate the success of our Boys.
 
In our roll of honour, the Company Commanders (in brackets their enrolment number) :-

1999 – 2000 L/CPL JONATHAN TENG (30), now a pharmacist, practising in Seremban, still single for the time being.

2001 – 2002 SGT ADRIAN LEVINRAJ MAHALINGAM (32), now an engineer based in Wellington, New Zealand and married to Sue Ann, no children yet.

2003 SGT GERALD LIAN (24) and SGT SERENE TAN (25). Gerald is now a pharmacist, presently on holidays after practising in Nhill (don’t ask me where or how it’s pronounced. Had to google it to find it!!), Victoria, Australia, still single for the time being. Serene is now a teacher in Perth, Australia, having done her post graduate studies in Murdoch. She’s still single but I hear going may be doing her “Mrs.” Degree soon.

2004 SGT MATTHEW CHONG KWOK THONG (1) graduated from University Kebangsaan Malaysia and will be posted as a Hospital Officer with the Ministry of Health in Singapore. He is asking to be based initially at Changi General Hospital.

2005 SGT WU PHANG JIM (33) is now an electrical and electronic engineer in Kuala Lumpur.

2006 – 2007 CPL - SGT MALCOLM CHONG KWOK WEI (2) is a JPA scholar and has just finished his undergraduate Third year to read veterinary medicine in Guelph (near Toronto), Ontario, Canada.

2008 till 8/3/2008 L/CPL WU CHUI JAYN (96) is a JPA scholar now at Melbourne University reading Pharmacy.

On 12/6/1999 a total of 37 nascent members joined our company [apart from the names above (in brackets their enrolment number)] and who had remained with the company for some time afterwards :-

Tan Khai Chen (3)

Tan Khai Yoong (4)

Abel Tan (6)

CPL Wong Chern Xi (7) – Masters in Architecture from Australia

Wong Xie Yi (8) – completed her Pharmacy degree from Australia

James See (13) – Human Resource Manager in AE Automotion Batu Pahat

Jasmine Low (14) – In KL doing teachers’ training

Janie Low (15) – Accountant based now in Batu Pahat after a stint in Singapore and KL

Daniel Chow (16) - oversea

Sarah Wong (17) – was in USA but will be teaching at Taylors in PJ/Subang

Ivianda Ivung (28) – medical representative in Klang Valley

Edwin Ivung (29) – now working in Labuan after a stint with TGIF at the Curve (where he gave me a family discount)  

Till another year for another update.

Remember PLUS emergency 1800 88 0000 number

Remember PLUS emergency 1800 88 0000 number.

On 29^th September, 2011 at night after my Mother In Law's burial, my mother, Lee Poh and I were on the way back from JB after sending Matthew and Amanda to Senai Airport (their flight back to KL LCCT). I noticed that my battery warning meter was solid red (alternator not charging). But stubborn as I am, thought.. “no problem one, sure can reach BP, next day only see foreman”.

The lights grew dimmer and dimmer. I called the foreman's assistant. He says "patut tak jalan dulu ... kereta modern, tak ada charge, semua berhenti, sure tak sampai BP". He instructed “air contd kena off”, semua pakai current kena off, battery tahan lama sikit”. Unlike old cars, no electronics, can even remove the battery once car started, it will still run. Foreman instructs his staff to get ready 2 spare batteries to help me get back to BP.

Car stalled on Km52 north bound, near Simpang Rengam. Totally no power from battery, even boot actuator cannot work. Got mother and Lee Poh over the, thankfully, dry drain safely away from car.

Had to call the assistant to ask how to bypass to open boot to get reflector triangle. Managed to retrieve triangle and fix it up some 5 car lengths away. The speed of cars zooming by; the triangle threatens to fly away, heavy as it is.

Anyway soon came along a private tow-truck, thankfully parked behind stalled car to our great relief .... that way his flashing lights "protected" and gave cover to our stalled car. He tried to persuade me to use him to tow car to his workshop. (A friend had used this particular workshop's service, and incidentally I was with him when he broke down then). Remembered that this workshop a bit .... dodgy like, so I stalled .... actually didn't want him to leave since his tow truck was providing cover for me. Meanwhile called 1800 88 0000 for Plus emergency. Also arranged for my own tow from BP (my insurance chap still unsure then whether I am entitled to tow claims; apparently not, I found out later)

The Plus chaps came pretty quickly after the call and completing some preliminaries, sign forms etc, I asked for a short haul tow to nearest toll plaza. They say that even if I didn't ask, their job was to clear the highway ASAP, and if they cannot fix, they will tow... FOC.

The tow truck fellow was still around and still providing me cover, so for his parking the tow truck behind me and flashing his lights, giving us great relief and a sense of safety, I gave him a tenner as a tip. He then escorted the Plus tow for a few kilometers before honking and moving off the convoy. The power of the tip..

Back to the Plus chaps. ... the car was so heavy the tow rope snapped midway to the toll plaza. They then replaced the tow line with a metal rope. Reaching Simpang Rengam, Plus chaps disengaged their tow line and I gave them a tip to thank them, and they refused ... I insisted "ikhlas" and they accepted. They stayed a while longer to ensure my arrangements for my tow truck is okay before leaving.

Mother enjoyed the tow back even though no air contd. Says it’s her first time being towed. Reached workshop nearly dusk, the foreman already had his men open up the workshop to accept car. Next afternoon, car fixed, alternator cut-out diode fault and replaced a squeaky bearing.

Plus service is really a-okay. Keep the 1800 88 0000 number handy... never know when you will need it.

Just for Today ...

.. smile at a stranger
.. listen to someone's heart
.. drop a coin where a child can find it
.. learn something new, then teach it to someone
.. tell someone you're thinking of them
.. hug a loved one
.. don't hold a grudge
.. don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"
.. look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are
.. don't kill that spider in your house, he's just lost so show him the way out
.. look beyond the face of a person into their heart
.. make a promise, and keep it
.. call someone, for no other reason than to just say "Hi"
.. show kindness to an animal
.. stand up for what you believe in
.. smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind
.. use all your senses to their fullest
.. cherish all your TODAYS

~ Author Unknown

BATU PAHAT TOASTMASTERS CLUB (51-9871)

Final curtains fell on Batu Pahat Toastmasters Club (TMBP) on 23/3/2009 at a sombre and solemn last hurrah dinner at Ocean Steamboat VIP room to finalise the last rites for TMBP.

In attendance:-

Charter & President 1994-1995 : Michael Chong, CTM
President 1996-1997 : Angelina Chong, CTM
President 1997-1998 : Lim Bok Sze, CTM
President 1998-1999 : Timothy Ho, CTM
President 2000-2001 : Ong Lin Kuan, CTM
President 2003-2004 : Lee Tian Eng
President 2004-today : Dr. Tan Leok Soo
President Elect since 2004 : Soh Chin Tiam

In 1992 we were given the mandate by TM International to organise a Batu Pahat chapter of the Toastmasters Club. Since then we met in various venues, like Garden Hotel, Hokkien Association, Teo Chiew Kong Huay Association, Crystal Inn, Batu Pahat One Rotary Centre, individual homes, before our final venue at Jireh Building conference room.

We were rather active; won quite a few awards in our day … a couple of Ralph Stanley Awards for membership ribbons. We organised and held a few TM Speech evaluation contests, a few TM humourous speech competitions, several TM installation dinners. For community service, we held countless training workshops; with Rotary Club Batu Pahat for Interactors, with the district education office for speech-craft and public speaking competitions and with specific schools for debate preparations and for MUET preparations. Our last community function was a training workshop for teachers at Batu Pahat Technical School (Sekolah Teknik).

TMBP then fell into an inactivity coma sometime in 2005. Several attempts for revival including the highest setting ever on the defibrillator, in the person of our de-facto honourary mentor from Kluang Toastmasters, CTM TM Kumar, failed to see prolonged resuscitation.

We used all the tricks in the book to urge TMBP to breathe on its own, including the exemption of wearing the necktie and meeting in homes and having pot-luck meals before during and after TM meetings, but to no avail.

Members then decided that it is time to pack up. After a long comatose period, our Treasurer and incoming President complained that even our cash in hand had been collecting fungus and we need to spend it. With whatever money we had, TMBP donated a haemodialysis chair to Batu Pahat Rotary Haemodialysis Centre hoping that none of us will ever use the chair but some one on dialysis will be comfortable while he undergoes his dialysis.

True to TM style, we called it curtains with a bang .. in the form of a sumptuous 8 course dinner fit for royalty.

Dish 1: Cold dish

Dish 2 : Shark fin soup served individually

Dish 3 : Spotted fish only found in East Malaysia steamed with mushrooms and bacon

Dish 4 : Sea cucumber with porky filling.
By this time all of us are well pretty much stuffed already …..

Dish 5 : Roasted duck

Dish 6 : Scallops with vegetables

Dish 7 : Abalone on ice

Dish 8 : Dessert peanut pancake and seaweed soup with gingko nuts

All the above washed down with this fluid mixture!!

Final curtain call : Yes it was good while it lasted.

Hey!, if anybody is seriously interested in reviving TMBP ….

Computer Tip : How to by pass administrator password?

If you have lost or forgotten the XP administrator password, first reboot Windows XP in safe mode by re-starting the computer and pressing F8 repeated as the computer starts up.

Then (in safe mode) click Start and then click Run.

In the open box type "control userpasswords2" without the quotes.You will now have access to all the user accounts, including the administrators account and will be able to reset the lost password.Just click the administrators user account, and then click Reset Password.

You will need to add a new password in the New password and the Confirm new password boxes, and confirm by clicking OK.

All done, you have recovered the lost administrators password!

Grandma - 8th Anniversary of her promotion to glory

This 30th October, 2008 will see my Grandma's 8th year since her passing. Going through my archives I found this. Can't remember if I wrote this or if I complied this but here reproduced is my tribute to Ah Mah.

Sometime in beginning of March 2000, Ah Mah had a stroke that precipitated the deterioration of her brain cells. This led to partial paralysis, especially of one side of her body which resulted in her not being able to enunciate her words, swallow properly, etc. She recovered somewhat but the deterioration of her aged body and brain went on relentlessly as shown by successive brain scans. Anyway, she finally succumbed to the inevitable on Monday 30th October, 2000 at the age of 86 at around 5.50 pm just after being fed.

Her passing away was very peaceful and without pain. According to those who have been near her during her last days, she was beginning to feel pain from being touched as her blood circulation wasn't what it used to be. We are very glad that she did not have to undergo the traumas and agonies, usually associated with impending termination of life. Grandpa (Ah Kong) expressed it for all of us that Ah Mah had indeed enjoyed a most fulfilling life and we should rejoice that she had more than her fair share of the biblical 'three score and ten' life expectancy.

The number of days reserved for the wake (lying in state from death to burial) was long by normal standards from Monday to Friday. But as events proved later, this was just right. The number of tributes and personal visits and flower wreaths was awe-inspiring. We estimated that the 60 gifts of flowers in all shapes and sizes would cost more than RM5,000-00.

Every night, there was a service conducted mostly in Chinese by Ah Mah's (Kluang Presbyterian) church except Tuesday night when the Agape Church congregation came to worship. The number of visitors was overwhelming every night. Tuti, the Indonesian maid was kept on her feet, boiling one pot of coffee after another. We even had a steamer to heat up "pows" for the visitors. The number of packets of kachang eaten was also quite phenomenal.

Aside : The service booklet of the Presbyterian Church used for all the services read "Order of service for burial of the dead" Do they bury any other kind? :-)

There were more than 600 people who came and left something for the 'white purse' (from the Chinese white gold, meaning a fund contributed by friends and relatives to help defray the cost of burial) and the total collection was in excess of RM30,000-00. We decided that as a matter of good form and in keeping with the mores of Chinese society in Kluang, to make some donations to the churches, the schools, and other welfare organisations, including clan associations.

Throughout all of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the weather was dry and a threatened shower on Thursday night did not materialise. Someone said, "Ah Mah is making sure you all have good weather"

The service on Friday morning at about 10.30 followed the distribution of the monetary gifts to the various bodies and a tribute by one Ah Mah’s grandsons. In his speech, he mentioned some of the things that we remember Ah Mah by. Her patchwork blankets which have travelled all over the world; her sambal; her meticulous packaging of angpows for each of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren for New Year and for the birthdays; her impartiality whether a descendant is "inside or outside" they are all equal in her eyes. Even in her death, she had left some money for all her brood. In accordance with her wishes that each is equal, we all got RM125-00 each.

I recall Ah Mah as one fantastic woman. She makes excellent sambal udang kering belacan and some of you might have sampled this when you visited me. She had a photographic memory and she know exactly how her children or grandchildren likes the sambal. She knows not to put sugar in our ration, extra garlic for this son, more sambal for that daughter, more udang kering for this granddaughter etc.

Ah Mah makes great blankets for all in the family. I have for years and years used her original creation. The single sized original that saw me through bachelorhood is now being used by Matthew. (Yes that sort of quality which sees decades of daily use). Even after her stroke she insisted in struggling to complete one more blanket for someone in the family. I doubt she finished it as she was by then so frail and uncoordinated that a simple task we all take for granted like threading a needle became a mammoth task and ordeal.

It is amazing how she communicates with Ah Kong (now 92 yrs old). We can all be yelling on top of our voices over the dinning table (as it always will be whenever I, the noisy and connoisseur of good food, visit) and Ah Mah will whisper something beneath all that din. Grandpa is the only one who can hear her and in his usual voice will make a reply. We will all be stumped as whatever Grandpa says to his beloved will definitely be out of the topic the rest of us are discussing. We may be talking about the coming wedding of a cousin when Ah Mah will whisper in Hokkien ...."Tomorrow I want to go to Muar for a few days". After a minute or so, Grandpa will suddenly say " Okay, make sure you bring enough clothes".

The flower wreaths required three lorries for transport to the Christian cemetery at the 4.5 m/s Jalan Batu Pahat (the one where certain Chinese characters are written by Ah Kong many years ago). In keeping with the time, the crypt is now a brick and cement affair and after a short service, the coffin was lowered, together with a solitary bouquet of orchids ...the only flowers to be buried with Ah Mah.

That Friday evening, the sky opened and it rained cats and dogs. Many of us interpreted this as the heavens weeping.

Towards the end of her life’s journey, Ah Mah suffered frustration and pain not being able to do all those things that she was used to and enjoyed doing. Toward the end the pain was written in her face and expression. But when she breath her last a peaceful look descended and she died peacefully with a hint of a smile knowing she is now safe in the arms of Jesus where there will be no more pain. She was prepared for this journey even booking her cemetery lot in the Kluang Christian cemetery and ordering her funeral clothes as early as 1985.

There is no need to feel sorrow for Ah Mah's relief from pain and indeed, it is time for a rich, fulfilled and rewarding life to pass on. She has left an enviable legacy. Even though poorly educated from the countryside (suar teng) of Batu Pahat, she had mothered a huge family; one which she had guided through to be useful members of society. Indeed, a Great Matriarch.

Apologies

Over the issue of Captaincy and subsequent cessation of the 1st Batu Pahat Boys’ Brigade Company, I had made some unsavoury personal remarks in my blog against certain people then in frustration, resentment and hurt. In my reporting of events I have also made disparaging personal remarks. The words used in my blog and in several e-mails, which were hurtful to and had grieved some individuals, were based solely on my personal perception of matters.

The personal remarks made by Angelina & I were unkind, callous and uncalled for. Whilst we will never be able to repair the hurt and damage caused by our allegations, we herein unreservedly apologise if those words had grieved you and ask for your forgiveness. When we were made aware of the grieve and hurt felt, we immediately apologised profusely and we will continue to do so, even if we are not forgiven.

On the other hand, for the accusations, anguish, shock, betrayal and hurt we felt, we had already made it clear and again we reiterate that we had forgiven all and we will still forgive even if no apology is given to us.

8th August, 2008 or 08/08/08 will be etched in my memory forever. This day the late Mr. Chua Choo Kia, my father in law (FIL) was laid to rest at the Christian cemetery in Kong Kong, Johor Bahru.

FIL is a fighter having retired at the early age of 40 odd due to angina. Over the years he fought battles against heart problems, underwent open heart surgery, had quadruple by-passes and 3 valve replacements, fought cancer, survived numerous operations to arrest cancer to finally succumbing to the dreaded cancer of the liver on 5th August, 2008 at the ripe age of 80 years.

I remember FIL not feeling too well in London and that even a few steps outside our (Lee Poh and my) rented room in Grove Road E17, he would pant like crazy, yet when he heard that our Matthew needed child minding, he was on the first plane there. That’s his self-less nature.

A few years later, when we (me, Lee Poh, Matthew Malcolm and Amanda) are all settled in Batu Pahat, FIL was scheduled for an operation to remove a growth in his abdomen. Being head honcho and head of the Chua Clan, he promptly despatched his blessings on all his descendents in preparation of that surgery. I then declared a silent vow to have my moustache shaven off if FIL pulls through the surgery. Little did we know that the growth was indeed cancerous and had affected not only the liver, but bits of the growth had also infected the gall bladder (which was full of stones incidentally), part of the stomach, diaphragm, the rib cage (part of his lower rib was hacked off), spleen, bottom part of his lung and small intestines. The growth was the size of a foetus full term. A few days later, I was assigned the transport of FIL back from Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore to his abode in Johor Bahru. Upon his discharge I promptly shaved off my moustache in thanksgiving and fulfilment of the vow.

Yet later FIL was in and out of hospitals with several other complications. He endured a stroke which left his right side weaker than his left. At the hospital the doctor painted such a bleak picture of his chances of recovery saying that there is now no involuntary response to stimuli and that the family must resign to the fact that FIL would either not survive or if he does, in a vegetative state. Against all odds, FIL managed not only to awake from the “coma” and pull through but even managed to whisper to his beloved spouse that he was holding up his urine for the past 5-6 hours and he needed to go ….

FIL is always the patient mild mannered man. He loves to joke and share his stories about the people around him. He keeps you in stitches recounting his anecdotes and life experiences. In his earlier years I know him to be quite a handyman except that he will do the directing (due to his health condition) much like the JKR supervisor and I will do the hard stuff! After all that work, we would always try to sneak some banned food to replenish what the job took out of us and feasting in a clandestine manner, I will feed him his secret ration of beef, mutton, prawns and eggs.

The past several years saw FIL frail and unable to indulge in his passion or driving. I was the culprit who mooted and then stood as guarantor to FIL’s purchase of his Proton Wira. FIL had wanted to use a personalised number plate bearing 9212 but his beloved spouse, Mother in law (MIL) wanted 8723. Guess who won!! The whole Chua clan chipped in to pay the instalments. I think FIL didn’t get to drive his car much as soon after that he suffered several bouts of health issues and nobody allowed him the wheels.

One day in mid 2004, FIL suffered a fall and was immediately sent to the hospital for what we all thought as a routine check-up. The imaging results brought horror to all of us. The major operation to remove the growth in his abdomen could not totally remove all traces of the dreaded cancer and his liver was heavily spotted with cancerous growth. Several follow-up imaging and a barrage of tests was done. Armed with the scans, imaging reports, x-rays etc, the decision was made to see a renowned oncologist (or so we were told) in Singapore. FIL was put on chemo therapy and it nearly killed him. He was knocked into ICU for a good several weeks. The so called renowned oncologist made a mistake … and I was so boiling mad I wanted to institute legal proceedings in medical negligence immediately.
Apparently he had misread the scans, imaging reports, x-rays and reports. As a second diagnosis, no chemo was ordered but a new and rather expensive drug was prescribed, Glivec.

While FIL was in ICU we told him that we had just bought a Naza Ria MPV and we are waiting to bring him for a ride. We had previously gone on a holiday in Penang in 2003 in a Kia Carnival and FIL remembers the car as a comfortable spacious vehicle with excellent air conditioning.

To deal with the increasing cost of FIL’s medical and his needs, a wonderful scheme (provided all fulfils their individual obligations to pay) called the Central Fund, previously collected ad hoc now crystallised to a periodic payment instalment scheme was hatched and immediately put into its paces.

Over the years the Central Fund has disbursed hundreds of thousands of Ringgit with benefactors faithfully banking in their contributions, some, like us, making it a priority after our tithe. I suspect that Lee Poh would rather see to Central Fund remittance even if it means defaulting on our housing loan repayments but thank GOD, the ever faithful LORD who never ever fails to see that we have enough to see to our financial obligations, and more …

FIL’s last public function in Batu Pahat was on 19th May, 2008 to grace the occasion of our thanksgiving over the academic success of Matthew, Malcolm and the distinction in Grade 8 pianoforte by Amanda. FIL sat regal in his wheelchair for several hours, even listening to the karaoke session.

Our last meal with FIL was celebrating Fathers’ day on 21st June, 2008 at Singapore. He was already weak and frail but celebrate we all must…. When it comes to food, who can say no!

When FIL breathed his last on midnight 5th August, 2008 he was surrounded by his loved ones, his family. We were singing his favourite hymns, scripture recited intermingled with prayers. The family agonized with the eventuality of losing him but know full well that FIL to be absent from his diseased body is to be present with his LORD and saviour, a much better prospect. We all watched him breathe his last and committed his spirit to the LORD, all this time with his peaceful grin etched on his face. What a way to go…!

The English wake was held on 5th August, 2008, Chinese wake on 6th August, 2008 and a spectacular bi-lingual wake on 7th August, 2008, spectacular because the heavens opened with cats and dogs pouring down and also an almost incomprehensible English sermon being delivered. Chua clanners stole the shows nightly with eulogies and presentations. Even the sons-in-law managed to say their piece.

The funeral on 8th August, 2008 was conducted to an overcast sky. Committed to the ground .. ashes to ashes and dust to dust ..

FIL did impact his family. He lived a full life, trusting GOD and believing in his LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, serving Him with all his capacity and capabilities. He gave much to his family and he will always be remembered for his selfless devotion.

Till we meet again in heaven.

Don't Go To Bed....

I've heard it said don't go to bed
while hanging on to sorrow,
you may not have the chance to laugh
with those you love tomorrow.

You may not mean the words you speak
when anger takes its toll,
you may regret your actions
once you've lost your self control.

When you've lost your temper
and you've said some hurtful things,
think about the heartache
that your actions sometime bring.

You'll never get those moments back,
such precious time to waste,
and all because of things you said
in anger and in haste.

So if you're loving someone
and your pride has settled in,
you may not ever have the chance
to say to them again...

"I love you and I miss you
and although we don't agree,
I'll try to see your point of view,
please do the same for me."

- Author Unknown

Grandpa - Mr. Yap Tai Pit

Grandpa looking sharp and dashing in his younger days.

Angelina & I were on our way back from KL after BB EXCO meeting Sunday 20th July, 2008 at 9:00 pm when I received the disheartening news that Grandpa (Ah Kong) has been promoted to glory peacefully at 8:45pm.

On 23rd July, 2008 I delivered the following eulogy in the English wake / memorial service conducted by Agape Presbyterian Church at Ah Kong’s house at No. 5, Jalan Merbau, Kluang:-

Grandpa and Grandma's marriage certificate

Today, we, the living will continue to seek to honour Grandpa’s (Ah Kong’s) memory in our daily lives following the example of Grandpa …. seeing how Grandpa lived rather than how he died.

What is grandpa like to me?

I am his favourite grandchild in my childhood and I spend a lot of time with him. Every school holiday I am by his side. If I miss a holiday he will go down Muar to get me.


- Compassionate / Community leader.
Remember the great flood in Kluang? Grandpa in thick of action in service to the less fortunate. As a small boy with Ber Ku we saw him tirelessly helping the flood victims sheltered at Chung Hwa Chinese High School across the field.

I will let you all in on a secret … Years later, he distinctly gave me instructions NOT to play any role in evicting squatters from his sawmill land saying that they have no other place to go.

When grandpa was commissioned to do the calligraphy for the cemetery in Jalan Batu Pahat, he was given a choice lot. Even this was “sold” and the proceeds donated to charity namely; the Chinese High School education Fund


- generous
Grandpa has made several trips to China. I remember on many of those trips he would bring with him clothes, sleeping bags, etc. Then he comes back empty handed with only his underwear in a paperbag, giving all he had to the needy relations in China.


- love for his family
We all love playing in the rain. Doing the superman stunt sliding across puddles of water in fields.
Grandpa wakes up at the creak of dawn everyday and with his pair of pliers would painstakingly remove all the mimosa from school field. His rationale is so his grandchildren can play barefooted with out being cut by the thorns.


- gentle
I was unfortunate enough to have dry skin, now this trait passed to my son. Grandpa would spend many hours just rubbing his palm and fingers through my hands arms and leg seemingly to try and smoothen the roughness off. Years on after I married, he would hold Lee Poh’s hand and “scold” me. “Chin Ho siang teh it boh ho, hai Lee Poh cho kang ani thiam, cho kar chew ani choor” (translated : Chen Foh you are no good, forcing Lee Poh to work so hard, work until her hands are so rough)

Grandpa with me and Lee Poh - taken CNY 18th February 2007

- loves calligraphy and Chinese chess
I am a major disappointment in this area, being English educated and more inclined to international chess, so I will quickly skim over this part.


- supportive
After MCE he fixed me up to work at his friend’s plastic factory and then fixed me up to take driving lessons. Of course after getting my driving license I became his driver. I learnt how to negotiate corners, how to read on-coming lights and how to accelerate up to overtake. His master lesson is how to go slow when approaching a bridge .. he never told me why but I found out that he had once crash into and veered off a bridge, thus his phobia of bridges.


- for education and self improvement
Grandpa is one who believes in education. When I finished my HSC, he instructed me to apply for universities in UK and based on my forecast results and the MCE results, secured unconditional acceptance in all the UK universities I applied for. I felt then that I could easily get into a local university and didn’t pursue this UK option. Then my 3rd & 5th uncles and 5th Aunty were already in Birmingham.
There was no scolding nor harsh words when he heard I joined the cop-shop (police force). Even less when I was posted to Penang, his kiddy haunt.

- art of communication
Grandpa makes an effort to listen. I remember on many occasions over the dinner table with everybody talking and eating, Grandma (Ah Mah) will quietly say something. After a while Grandpa will also quietly answer…. All this while the rest of us are making a din. Grandpa listened and he answers.

(At this point the sound system breaks down … seemingly to tell me I have said enough!!)

Family Photo circa 1962. That's me at standing extreme right front

... yeah, the goodlooking one.

Well grandpa may be now in a better place with Ah Mah by his side. But he still lives in us, his offsprings. His character traits are apparent in all his descendents. His business acumen, his generosity, community concern, his chess prowess, literacy skills, compassion, love, care, concern, every single virtue is inherited by his descendents. We are all living walking examples of his virtues and to our dying breath we will still be replicas of Grandpa. He will continue to live in all of us his descendents.

Grandpa with Malcolm (Left), Matthew (Right) and Amanda (Beside) taken CNY 18th February 2007

5th July, 2008, Malcolm at Taylors

Malcolm checked in at Taylors today, 5/7/2008.
We arrived early but the place was already packed like sardines. Ratio: 1 student to about 5 stragglers (eg. mum, dad, grams, aunties, siblings, maid)

The JPA people were there to check on the paperwork (agreement, indemnity, bank accounts) and to deliver a briefing (the usual thing about study hard, need 80% every semester, don’t get married …). Like registering into a Chinese school, we were pleasantly surprised that the scholars were handed a pre-prepared envelope with detailed instructions and the keys to their accommodation units.

Apparently there is no such certificate called the International Canadian Pre-University Course (ICPU) at Taylors. They will prepare their students to take the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Apparently the diploma is provincial but globally widely accepted.

Of the 140 odd JPA scholars to undergo the ICPU, only 6 had been selected for Veterinary medicine. They will have to study science for 2 years at degree level, get excellent results, before being streamed into Veterinary science. That’s a 4 year course for Veterinary Medicine, bringing the total to 6 years abroad. That’s a long time…. and word has it that there are only 6 places for international students in Canada. Go figure……

Then JPA did a boo-boo …. the collection of documents from the scholars were haphazardly and unsystematically done. Stacks of documents including agreements, medical forms, indemnity, statement of financial affairs, photographs, copies of NRIC, Bank account details etc were collected by volunteers without any offer or visible method of securing the stack. Most resorted to sticking their stack into the agreement booklet. Anyway most of the JPA scholars were subsequently called up during the briefing on their actual ICPU course by the Taylors director of studies and the whole thing was quite distracting.

Later, while the JPA scholars were herded into another briefing hall to be instructed in the do’s and don’ts of their accommodation, the guest stragglers were treated to catered buffet lunch courtesy of Taylors. We decided that bak-kut-teh nearby would be a more logical choice and hopped over to Asia Café. The surrounding hinterland is littered with food joints and so I don’t expect Malcolm to go hungry anytime during his stint in ICPU.

The Taylors’ people had buses to ferry students to their accommodation at Casa Subang, a spanking new condo complex situated behind Mydin, Giant and Summit USJ. How on earth can the student study what with such distractions like shopping centres …. Then again with shopping centres, comes food courts … maybe it is for the better.

We braved a drive rather than wait for the bus. Good decision as our unloading was speedy and we could park in the Mydin car-park. Later on those who opted to come by bus had to queue up just to see the insides of the lift…

Malcolm is now at A-19-2 Casa Subang. Block A, 19th Floor and unit 2. The unit has 4 rooms; 3 double rooms and 1 single. Malcolm is placed in the single. No worries that his snoring and his nocturnal letting off gas will bother anyone. The unit comes with Astro and micro-wave and a fridge. Internet access promised but not installed yet. From the sitting room one can see the Kesas toll plaza. His house mates are from all over: Butterworth, JB, Sg Petani, and 2 Malay boys ( one was from Jasin ) who have both since then disappeared from the unit.

We held a family prayer cleansing the room and unit, claiming Jesus’ blood of protection and sanctifying the unit for the use of GOD’s purpose in Malcolm’s life. That peace will prevail and that no principalities of evil can ever find a foothold there.


We came home to BP to a near empty house. With Malcolm away in Klang Valley, our strength is down to 60% BP while KL gets an upped 40%. I came home, walked into Malcolm’s room to return a couple of files and seeing his things still all over the place, stood there for a few long moments to let reality set in; that one more eaglet has flown the coop.


Mummy will miss him most as he is always the one who will spontaneously hug and kiss mummy and daddy all the time. Mum will miss his coming around sniffing her ; .. “ah, mum, you just came back from Carrefour .. I can smell it off your hair” or “you just had mamak food”. Amanda will also miss her master sejarah teacher, her personal chauffeur and the guy who will almost always do her bidding, if asked in a nice way....


Isa 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psa 121:7-8
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.


Go forth in the strength of the LORD, son, and win the world; for the LORD your GOD is with you.

2nd July, 2008 Matthew's 21st Birthday

Matthew Chong celebrates his 21st birthday today.

It was 21 years ago that GOD blessed us with a bouncing baby boy born at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, London, England. The moment he was born we prayed a simple prayer of commitment that this “gift of GOD” (that’s the meaning of the name “Matthew”) will be dedicated to HIS service. Being my first born I requested a double portion of GOD’s blessing and GOD’s favour all his life, his career and his future wife and family. We committed ourselves to seeing to his spiritual development and to love him unconditionally taking the model of how GOD loves HIS children. We prayed that his life will be greatly used by GOD to impact others and that he will grow in Christ-like stature in loving kindness and character.

21 years down Matthew has shown to be mild mannered, as his mother calls him “a gentle giant”. As such any argument would summarily be won by his sister Amanda, dubbed (the top of) “the food chain”. Any argument won would be the start of another argument to be won by the food chain. And Matthew lets his darling sister win, most of the time anyway …..

He is an avid reader and has a vocabulary that few can match. He is a real joy to have around the house. When he missed the JPA scholarship after Form 5, we were disappointed but not sad as we had Matthew for another 2 more lovely years at home. Matthew is not the outdoor type but he had his fair share of camping and drills with the Boys’ Brigade, his passion and fave activity. He is more into the arts than into muscles; playing the piano, violin and the trombone instead of moving turf on the golf course. A firm believer that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Some years back when asked what he wanted to do in life, he would have replied that he had a job opening with his uncle, Dr. SK Koh, DVM, to practise veterinary medicine. Unfortunately Matthew has extremely dry skin eczema and a skin allergy test showed him to be extremely allergic to dog and cat fur. This veterinary mantle is now passed to his brother, Malcolm. His maternal grandpa, Kong-Kong, a long suffering cancer survivor, insists that Matthew take up medicine, what with his excellent academic results scoring full As in STPM with a Band 6 in Muet. Now slogging 2nd year as a medical undergrad in University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) he takes life in its stride, catching a movie and enjoying a sci-fic novel whenever he can get a leisurely couple of hours.

Matthew takes exception to cheese cake, KFC original flavour and McD’s quarter pounders, likes his drinks sweet and his rice wet with soup. He loves his worn out tattered but extremely comfy “home clothes” and he has the uncanny ability to create dog ears on all books unfortunate enough to pass thorough his hands. At home he is never without a book in his hands. And he can read a few books at one time, one for the lounge, one for the study, one for the bedroom, one for toilet, one on top of the piano and one for the dining table, etc. At one time his siblings used to call him (and they still do) “blurr Kor” on account of his not being aware of his surroundings whenever he is engrossed in a book. As a prank we used to put chilli into his food (he used to detest chilli) and watch his reaction when he methodically eats while reading only to jump up when the chilli hits him.

One of his birthdays a few years back, the whole family surprised him with a special birthday cake. We used a durian, placed candles and sang “Happy Birthday” to him when he was half asleep. This year we celebrated with a lavish eat-all-you-want Japanese buffet Shogun restaurant and then had his favourite cheese birthday cake, sharing it with his apartment-mates and his closest friends in UKM.

No thanks to me, who also had dry skin in my younger days, Matthew inherited my dry skin condition and thus the need to daily apply moisturising cream to his skin. He takes take much too much time in the bathroom doing so.

Mum insists on an unwritten but strictly enforced rule that Matthew (for that matter, all members of the family not at home) call her every night just before bedtime, no exceptions, no excuses.

Matthew's birthday 2007

The family Bandar CHONGs prayed on this Matthew’s day that GOD will ordain his path and that GOD who had watched over Matthew in his infancy adolescence and teens will now continue to watch over him in his adulthood. The blessings of redemption and grace will envelope him all the days of his life and he will enjoy long healthy prosperous life to his children’s grand children.

Num 6:24-26
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make HIS face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up HIS countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Happy 21st Birthday son. We all love you.

Our 26th Anniversary on 20th June, 2008

20th June, 2008 Angelina Lee Poh & I celebrated 26 years of marriage.

I am at a loss for words… except to echo the findings of Solomon

Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Pro 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Pro 31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Solomon says what I need to say to you, my darling wife.
Have a blessed Anniversary.


I love you, Lee Poh, my darling, the love of my life.

Anniversary Photo 2004

End 2007

25th Anniversary celebration (2007) in Bali