Eulogy - Petagas War Memorial (1999)

EULOGY BY TAN SRI BEN STEPHENS

These was done for some Australia visitors on the way to visit war memorials in Sabah in 1999 but was never used. (Labuan, Kundasang and Sandakan) 

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/112-petagas-war-memorial/#more_picture
Petegas War Memorial

1.   World War II ended fifty four years ago and it seem like yesterday.

2.   Memories of its violence, destruction and the people who gave their lives and those who survived defending our freedom are remembered by some of us and are  among us here today.

3.   However among the young generations, it will slowly fade and thereby oblivious to the fact that our sovereignty came with sacrifice and suffering by others.

4.   Therefore memorials like this one, the Sandakan War Memorial, the Kinabalu War Memorial and others in this State have their importance in educating and reminding our present and future generation.

5.   This memorial, the Petegas Memorial Garden is dedicated to the Kinabalu Guerrillas numbering 300 young men from various communities and family members of the guerrillas and sympathisers alike who suffered and sacrificed their lives.

6.   The Guerrilla movement was organised by a brave and patriotic man by the name of  Albert Kwok in 1942. 

7.   In September 1943 information was obtained that the Japanese was intending to conscript 2000 youths of Sabah to strengthen the front-line defence.

8.   This was thwarted on the night of 9^th October 1943, by the surprise attack by the guerrillas on the Japanese Police Station and military Police  Headquarters in then known as Jesselton, now Kota Kinabalu . 

9.   The mainly machete armed men killed scores of Japanese and burned down a custom godown.

10.This severely discouraged the Japanese and the proposed conscription was abandoned.

11.However reprisal was implemented as the Japanese had reinforcement from Kuching.  The Guerrillas retreated to the hills behind Mengattal.

12.Most of the members of the Kinabalu Guerrilla surrendered within two months as the enemy had threatened and tortured members of their families, innocent women and children alike.

13.On the 21^st January 1944, 176 men of the Kinabalu Guerrilla including my father, Jules P. Stephens, and sympathisers were executed and buried in the vicinity of this memorial garden.

14.Others amounting 131 were sent to Labuan to serve various terms of imprisonment.  117 of them died due to inhumane treatment which included torture and starvation.

15.After the war a committee headed by few surving  members of  the guerilla force and their families including myself reburied those who had been killed together with the remains from Labuan in this common burial ground.

16.This Garden has been improved through the years and I commend Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council, whose President is with us today, Datuk Adeline Leong and Officers of the Council for a job well done. Thank you MPKK.

17.Each year an Official Memorial is held on the 21^st January in memory of the gallant man who fought against the Japanese Occupation forces.

18.More can be done in Sabah and this is the duty all including NGO’s such as Kota Kinabalu Junior Chamber, the Government and public alike.

19.Let us not stop here but instead, together, go forward to ensure the preservations of  our history and heritage.

 

Thank You.

Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Speech on Malaysia Day 16th September 1963

This is a speech that I have been looking for quite a while. The reason we are Malaysian concisely put!

MERDEKA MALAYSIA!

THE great day we have long awaited has come at last -- the birth of Malaysia. In a warm spirit or joy and hope 10 million people of many races in all the States of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah now join hands in freedom and unity.

We do so because we know that we have come together through our own free will and desire in the true spirit of brotherhood and love of freedom. We have made our decision after much care and thought, finally arriving at mutual consent by debate and discussion, inquiries and elections held over 2½ years. We can feel proud indeed of the way we have created Malaysia through friendly argument and compromise. The spirit of co-operation and concord is living proof of the desire we share for a common destiny. What better basis for Malaysia can there be, what finer augury for the future?

The road to nationhood has not been an easy journey. Surprises and disappointments, tension and crisis, have marred the way. The peoples of Malaysia, however, have endured all trials and tribulations with confidence and patience, calmness and forbearance, with faith in our final goal --Malaysia.

In the first eighteen months of political and constitutional discussions, beginning from May 1961, things went ahead favourably, because the ideal of Malaysia caught the imagination of all the peoples concerned.We can all recall the remarkable enthusiasm and interest aroused then in the evolution of Malaysia.

Step by step the concept came to life. The activities of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee, the merger talks between the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, the broad agreement reached in London to establish Malaysia, the appointment of the Cobbold Commission and its exhaustive inquiries in the Borneo Territories, and the subsequent establishment of the Inter-Governmental Committee -- all these steps were taken in internal harmony and in full public view.

Suddenly towards the end of 1962 the situation changed. Communist China committed unjustifiable aggression against India. I stood up for democracy and condemned China's attack. One immediate reaction was that Communists throughout South-east Asia retaliated by an indirect assault upon me by opposing my idea of Malaysia, and they set about creating every possible difficulty to baulk Malaysia.

Other external complications occurred -- the Philippines' claim to North Borneo, the sudden and abortive revolt in Brunei, and the startling adoption by Indonesia of a policy of confrontation against Malaya. All these events projected an international crisis in South-east Asia this year, the climax coming in June. The successful meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Malaya, Indonesia and the Philippines, followed by my own conference with President Soekarno in Tokyo eased tension considerably and brought new hopes for harmony and peace. Prospects for a Summit Conference were good, confrontation from Indonesia subsided, so we went ahead with arrangements for the final talks in London on Malaysia.

The Malaysia Agreement was duly signed in early July. Unexpectedly Indonesia reacted most strongly, renewing its policy of confrontation with the result that the Summit conference of leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines at the end of July began in an atmosphere of doubt. The Summit conference ended in an agreement by the three countries to form an Association of States of Malay origin to be known as Maphilindo. It was agreed that in order that the partners in Maphilindo could welcome Malaysia the United Nations Secretary-General should be asked to ascertain anew the wishes of the peoples of Sarawak and Sabah. That request has not been implemented.

Now finally the peoples of Malaysia are celebrating the establishment of Malaysia. This is the time to think earnestly and hopefully on the future of Malaysia as the whole country resounds with joy.

So I pray that God may bless the nation of Malaysia with eternal peace and happiness for our people. The Federation of Malaya now passes into history. Let us always remember that the Malayan Nation was formed after many difficulties during a long period of national Emergency, yet its multi-racial society emerged, endured and survived as a successful and progressive nation, a true democracy and an example to the world of harmony and tolerance.

As it was with Malaya, so it can be with Malaysia. With trust in Almighty God, unity of purpose and faith in ourselves, we can make Malaysia a land of prosperity and peace. In doing so let every Malaysian in all the States of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah ensure that our Malaysia is truly worthy of the aims and hopes we have shared, the trials and stress, we have endured, in working together to achieve our common destiny.

MERDEKA MALAYSIA!

Source: National Archives, Singapore

2005 JCI WP Speech at the World Congress President Ball

Kevin Cullinane was the 2005 JCI President who has inspired me with his calm but passionate (two words you don't usual associate calm & passionate but he pulled it off) style when I happened to be the JCI Malaysia President. His outgoing speech at the Vienna JCI World Congress was one of those speeches that touched me and made me realise why I am so passionate about this organisation. I actually searched for the speech and kept it for future reference (the other was Pope John Paul II homily in Israel when I fell asleep and have been a guilty catholic ever since!)

SPEECH AT JCI PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

President Elect, National Presidents, Chief Delegates, Board Colleagues, Secretary General, Congress Director, Chapter Presidents, Past, Present and Future International, National and Local Officers, Senators, Members, International Advisors, Support Team, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Family, Ladies and Gentlemen

This Irish Presidency sought to restore an executive leadership role for our elected officers and world headquarters staff. I hope I established a culture where innovation and initiative was encouraged this year.

Once in office I discovered the challenges more extensive, the choices more difficult, and the scrutiny more inevitable than I had anticipated. By accepting the criticisms and the congratulations with equal measure, I have learned from my mistakes, and built the kind of Irish Presidency I dreamt about – dedicated, decisive, determined and Member focused.

I thought it imperative from the outset that our Members knew what anyone standing for the Presidency thought about the organization he was hoping to lead. I hoped, that in addition to openly discussing our organization’s strengths as well as weaknesses, the external opportunities and threats, I could establish a forum for dealing with the key issues of Membership growth and decline, Marketing excellence and limitation, Media knowledge and ignorance.

I think I have successfully put those three M’s – Membership, Marketing, and Media firmly in your consciousness this year! But you know, you have to be careful with this Media thing – you never know when there might be a camera lurking in the background.

(CUE SHAKING THAT ASS VIDEO)

During the past year you have witnessed this Irish Presidency at work. Our needs and hopes were eloquently stated in the 2005 JCI Business Plan and the initiatives and follow through has been shared with the very fabric of our organization – our Members and our Chapters.

Perhaps historians in the future will regard this Presidency as necessarily one of those frequent periods of consolidation, a time to draw breath, recoup our natural energy and focus on what was urgent and important. I leave office in December with absolutely no regrets.

You demanded a vigorous proponent of the JCI interest, and I hope you got it. A President who was capable and competent acting as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. A leader who rose above national or self interest to formulate strategy and gave clear direction on policy and programming, not a casual bystander of progress.

This administration has faced up to the big issues – there has been a lot done but there’s much more to do. The President’s responsibilities however cannot be delegated. This office is the single channel through which there flows the torrential pressures and needs of every national organization, every chapter, every Member.

I deliberately placed myself at the forefront of the organization and I trust you know by now that I care passionately for this organization. If I did not, the rigors and at times, excessive demands on me would not have been worth the personal and professional sacrifices that were necessary to make a difference. Leading JCI has been the greatest self actualizing experience of my young life todate. I would not have traded this opportunity for anything. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

The President is often alone, at the top, the loneliest job there is in JCI. You need a great team of supporters, confidents, friends who can keep you grounded and family who are always there for you. I have shared every step this year with a remarkable personal support team – they are known to many of you and they are all here with me again tonight. I want to thank an outstanding 2005 JCI Board of Directors and Executive Committee; our composite professional JCI Headquarters Staff and Secretary General; the 120 National organizations I have been honored to work with and their National Presidents, Officers and Chapter Presidents – the true leaders of JCI;

I want to thank JCI Austria; the Vienna Congress Organizing Committee under Wolfgang and Rainer and their respective teams for ensuring this JCI World Congress has been the success we all know it has been; I thank JCI Cobh and JCI Ireland under Presidents Darragh and James for their faith and belief in my talents; I applaud my personal team of Jeremy, Seamus, Maggie, Graham, Lynne, Suzanne, Eugene, John and Mariella; On my own behalf and yours, I thank them and applaud them for their selfless service for the benefit of JCI this year.

I can assure you it is much easier to make the speeches than it is to finally make the judgments because sometimes the advice you receive from all quarters is divided. If you take the wrong course, and on occasion I have, the President bears the burden of responsibility quite rightly. However, the advice I have received throughout this year has always had the best interests of JCI at heart. To all those who have advised me throughout the year, including you Colvin, I trust you found a listening ear, an open heart and a wise and considered mind.

As Winston Churchill said on taking office many years ago: if we open a quarrel between the present and the past, we shall be in danger of losing the future.

Tonight our concern must be with that future. For the world is changing. The old era is ending and the old ways will not do.

It is time for a new generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs to create better leaders, to create better societies!
But I believe the times demand new invention, innovation, imagination, decision. I am asking each of you to be pioneers on that New Frontier.

My call is to the young and the young at heart, regardless of age to be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed. Continue to be living examples of the organization’s philosophy and beliefs.

For courage--not complacency--is our need today--leadership--not showmanship. And the only valid test of leadership is the ability to lead, and lead vigorously.

Are we up to the task--are we equal to the challenge? Are we willing to match the sacrifice of the present for the future or must we sacrifice our future in order to enjoy the present?

In 2005, all of JCI waited upon this Irish styled leadership. A whole world looked to see what we would do. We did not fail their trust; we did not fail to try.

It has been a long road from that first autumn day in Fukuoka to this crowded congress hall to night. Now begins another long journey, taking me back into the town I love so well and back to my family and friends.

JCI Members you gave me your help, your hand, your voice, and your support. But above all else you extended the hand of friendship.

In the words of the traditional Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet to you,

May the wind be at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rain fall softly on your fields

And until we meet again

May you keep safe in the gentle loving arms of God.

2004 Caucus Speech for JCI Malaysia

CAUCUS SPEECH

JOE’S INTRO

Mr. Chairman, Senators and fellow Jaycees

I am blessed with the double opportunity to represent KKJC as the Chief Delegate and to introduce KKJC’s candidate for National President this evening.

In a world driven by ambition and wealth I am glad to introduce to all of you someone who has moved on from being a mere JC friend to personal friend (quote IC pg 50)

In Jaycees we have opportunities – to Grow, learn, be active and develop, opportunity cost – at times we have to sacrifice our business and family time to get things done in Jaycees. Opportunist – people who come in with sole intention of making use of this organization for their own personal glorification.

If you ask anyone from Area Sabah, they will gladly tell you that our candidate came in to serve at a time when Sabah was at its lowest level and nobody wanted to take up the challenge. It is obvious from the presence of chapters from Sabah he has done justice to his position.

Area Sabah in General and KKJC in particular is proud to present JC Donald Stephens for Candidate for National President 2005.

DON’S SPEECH

Fellow Jaycees,

Caucus has always been an exciting part of any National Convention. Personally I have always enjoyed it … from the opposite end of this lectern.

Few years ago if any one ask me if I would be a candidate for National President, I would definitely have said NO.

This is exactly what this organization does to a challenged person like me. My experience came in 1996 when I joined KKJC and was quickly absorbed in the COC. My position was the Stage Manager, and its main glorified job specification was to place the microphone stand on stage and take it off.

Since my first job as Stage Manager until today about eight years later the people who have known me has seen my development …including my weight and hair loss.

It has provided me an opportunity to Grow, Learn, Activate and Develop myself. This is my Theme…my mission…is GLAD.

G for Growth

L for Learn

A to Activate

And D for developing our resources

G - In Growth we plan to prepare JCI-Malaysia to grow at 10% net per year. Allowing us to reach 2000 members in 7 years and 2500 members in 10 years.

L – Learn – to improve the NOM and LOM training programs by upgrading materials, approach and methodology relevant to the current members’ needs which include Local and National Context.

A – Activate – To ensure new, inactive and senior members to participate in LOM and NOM activities and project.

D – Develop resources – Resources like our values have to be developed and understood. The secretariat has to be upgraded to ensure better services to members. We have to manage our financial resources by implementing a complimentary entity. We have to synergise and build strong relationships in smart partnership with organization such as Senate Malaysia, MBM, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Women and Family Development, SUHAKAM and Toastmasters.

Our organization allows individuals to work together to give better results. SO I am glad to announce my running mate, the calm and reliable candidate for National Sec. General – JC Alex Ang Ko Han of Junior Chamber Kuching. I believe we will compliment our strengths and give our best for the organization.

My mission is GLAD , I want everyone to be glad to be in this great organization.

Ladies and Gentlemen: let us

Grow together

Learn together

Be Active together

Develop our resources together

For the benefit of ourselves and the organization.

Thank you and God Bless and peace be with you.

Inagural Speech 2005 National President

Speech made in 2004 JCI Malaysia Annual National Convention

Tonight is Not about Donald Stephens, tonight is a celebration for JCI Malaysia and its members. We celebrate the differences in people while viewing everyone through the eyes of oneness.

This unity nurtures powerful connections and creates a plane of existence where everyone must be mutually supportive and respectful. Therefore tonight is not about Sabah for Sabahans, Peninsular for Peninsular or Sarawak for Sarawakian. IT ABOUT MALAYSIANS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF JCI MALAYSIA.

Through the eyes of unity I am never tempted to say that one group or one person is more important or more valuable than others. In JCI-M “everyone one counts”.

From the first year members to the senior members, we are all very very important to this organization.

At this juncture, I would like to thank all those people who have advised, assisted and worked hard. May we continue the good work. Your strength has strengthened me.

Special thanks and love goes to my family – Cinda, Ashe and Tristan who have been very patient and caring. Hopefully I won’t be away too much, until my my kids call me “Uncle”.