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ISSUE 3 / JAN - JUNE 2013 ISSUE 1 / 2013 Jan - SePt

SAFTEA BIDS FAREWELL TO THE CLUBHOUSE

The land issue which has long occupied the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association has finally come to a head, with an agreement with UDA and the government reached; we will vacate the clubhouse at 167, Jalan Pudu by 8 October this year. With that in mind, a grand farewell was held to bid farewell to what has been our home since October 1953. The farewell do, planned by Vice President 1 Darren Duarte, was held on 28 September. It featured many performances, great food and most of all, the convivial atmosphere of solidarity and support that we hope will keep our association alive and vibrant, in spite of this sad goodbye to our clubhouse. HISTORY OF THE LAND ISSUE In 1940, the Selangor Eurasian Association (SAFTEAs earlier incarnation) was offered a licence to use a piece of land (of about 4 acres) in Maxwell Road. We could not accept the land at the time, as we could not afford to build a clubhouse then. After the war, the association wanted to accept the land, but it was then unavailable, as the military was using it. SEA was informed that the land would be available in 1955; according to records however, the association did not claim the land after this time. At the associations request, a valuation of the land was conducted in 2012; it showed that the Maxwell Road plot is now valued in excess of RM75 million. We moved to the clubhouse at 167, Jalan Pudu in 1953, and have been here for 60 years; the area now occupied by SAFTEA is 0.64 acres. Thanks to the Government Valuers (JUPEM) who came to the site on 9 September, 2012 we know that our boundary reaches until the edge of the yellow building outside. The value of this plot (as of 2012), is in excess of RM33 million. It was said that we could never own this plot, as it belongs to the jail reserve. However, on 20 July 1981, a letter was written by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to the Kuala Lumpur Land Office, stating that it had no objections for the Jalan Pudu plot to be used as a private institution by SEA. This was the closest that SAFTEA ever got to getting ownership of 167, Jalan Pudu. Documents show that then-President, Geoff Leembruggen, had gotten architects to draw up plans for a building on this plot. Then we had a change of leadership, and the letter and corresponding documents were lost, only to be found 30 years later in 2012 in DBKLs office by John De Souza, who worked with the lawyers on the land issue. In 1985 with no knowledge of what had happened in 1981 SEA applied for TOL, and was duly rejected by the authorities. In 2011, it was reported at the AGM that we had received from UDA an intention to rent out to us between 1000 and 3000 square feet of property in UDAs development. This saga continued, until the association received an eviction notice from UDA in 2012. Had this story turned out differently, we might be sitting on a RM33 million piece of land with a 10-storey building today! In response to UDAs 2012 eviction notice, the GC and the President met with the Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being on 7 May 2012 in Putrajaya and again on 8 October 2012 at Parliament. Attending this first meeting were Edward Joseph, Derek Surin, Elaine Especkerman and Maureen Sibert along with the President, Sheila De Costa, as well as the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi, who facilitated the meeting. At the second meeting (as the time was changed by the minister at the last minute), only Vice President Edward Joseph and the President attended.

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Message from the President

Dear members and friends, It is my pleasure to greet you once again. It has been a busy 6 months for us here at the association, as your GC has been organising events as well as dealing with the court action and attending meetings and consultations with UDA and the government over the land issue. While it has been a pleasure to serve you, we must not forget that it had been a challenging two years for some members of the GC. Our Vice President (2011-2013), Edward Joseph succumbed to his illness and passed away in May 2013 at the young age of 53. Despite, his illness, Edward never missed a single GC meeting, although we knew at times that it was difficult for him physically. Our Ladies Chairman, Mrs Maureen Sibert lost her supportive spouse, Deric, who passed away in December 2012. They displayed true service to the community, as no function was postponed due to illness and the ability to soldier on despite dire personal circumstances is testimony to their commitment to the community. The AGM was held in June and I am honoured to serve you for another 2 years. Thank you for your confidence in us. We welcome our new committee members who are young and vibrant: Julia Nicholas, Suzanne Lazaroo, Iris de Souza, Eugene William and Janice Monteiro-Lewis (who have an average age of 40 and below) and Arnold Monteiro and welcome back to Hilary Gomes, Gerald Lee and Joan Marbeck. Not forgetting, of course, those who have served and continue to serve you: Deputy President, James Monteiro as well as J. Ivan Rosario, Joseph De Souza, Maureen Sibert, Elaine Especkerman, Yap Tee Loy and Darren Duarte. For the first time, 50% of the GC comprises the ladies. Very soon, we may need a mens section! Things are changing. I would also at this stage thank all the GC members of the 2011-2013 term for their support and commitment to the association, especially former Vice President Derek Surin (who had a stroke earlier in 2013) and Cyril Anthony. May God bless them all. Since I wrote this message, the association has seen the end of an era our Hon. General Secretary, Mr. Joseph De Souza (affectionately known as Boni), is retiring after 46 years at the association. While we are sad at his leaving, we wish him all the best in his retirement and hope to see him at all our functions! While the August Family Lunch was also the Merdeka lunch, it was also the farewell luncheon for Boni. Over 200 members and well-wishers, including former Presidents and former General Committee members, attended in full force. In support of the community, we had Sheena Monteiro of Portuguezze Kitchen to cater the food for the event. It was nice to see that Sheena is a very attractive 30-year-old who has her own restaurant and catering business! Finally, as we go to press, I have to inform you that as most of the terms of the settlement agreement with UDA and the Government of Malaysia have been agreed upon, UDA is asking that we vacate the clubhouse soon. As such, we had a farewell bash for our grand old lady 167, Jalan Pudu or The Club, as she is fondly known on 28 September. Until I next talk to you, Sheila De Costa President

SAFTEA Office Bearers for 2013-2014

President Sheila E De Costa Deputy President James P. Monteiro Vice President 1 Darren G. Duarte Vice President 2 Gerald M. Lee Hon Treasurer Joan M Marbeck Ladies Chairperson Maureen Sibert Youth Chairman Arnold Monteiro Sports Chairman Eugene A. William Senior Citizens Chairperson Elaine Especkerman Membership Iris de Souza Julia Nicholas Public Relations & Publicity Suzanne M. Lazaroo Janice Elaine Monteiro-Lewis F&B & Socials Arnold Monteiro Deputy F&B /Associate Liaison Yap Tee Loy House & Grounds Hilary Gomes Committee Member J. Ivan Rosario

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SAFTEA BIDS FAREWELL TO THE CLUBHOUSE (continued)

Our lawyers, Cheah Teh & Su, have attended court more than 13 times since the first case management on 13 June 2012. SAFTEAs GC and President have attended 4 meetings with UDA and the Government of Malaysia (GOM) on 2 August 2012, 3 September 2012, 25 September 2012 (with the Attorney Generals Chambers representatives, JUPEM and UDA at the clubhouse) and 11 January 2013. These do not include the consultations and meetings with the lawyers. THE NEW PREMISES As a result of the legal action, in July of 2012, UDA expressed an intention to offer us a piece of land in Bangsar Utama with an area of about 9000 square feet, valued at between RM2.5 million and RM5 million. The offer was only firmed up on 23 November 2012; SAFTEA finally accepted on 11 January 2013. That matter was between SAFTEA and UDA. From the Government of Malaysia, SAFTEA asked for the following add-ons: 1. Waiver of stamp duty on transfer (the cost is between RM68,000 and RM144,000) 2. Waiver of premium on extension of lease (the cost is about RM 25,000) 3. Waiver of quit rent/assessment 4. Exgratia payment 5. Increase in plot ration from 1:4 to 1:6 6. JKR to build a clubhouse for SAFTEA 7. Temporary premises. The GOM is not agreeable to give the above but we may apply for waiver of stamp duty and premium. We have agreed that we will give possession simultaneously, ie. we give up the Pudu premises and they give us the Bangsar Utama premises on the same day. We are awaiting response from the GOM and hopefully we can finalise the agreement in the short term. This is the position as at today. JUDGE-ASSISTED MEDIATION ON THE MATTER Judge-assisted mediation to settle the terms of the agreement was heard on 16 August at the Kuala Lumpur High Court at 9am. SAFTEA hired two buses to ferry those who wanted to attend court for the case management. Over 40 members and friends attended, filling up the entire courtroom from 9am to 12pm. At the mediation, the following were discussed:(a) That the recitals setting out the history of SAFTEAs occupation of the Pudu land not be put into the agreement. The GOM and UDA did not agree to have it in; SAFTEA proposed that instead, the statement of claim be annexed to the agreement. The GOM and UDA to consider this and revert. (b) UDA had proposed a clause that SAFTEA relinquish all actions whether present or future against the GOM and UDA this was debated at length, as SAFTEA said that it was too wide. However, the GOM and UDA are adamant on retaining this clause. (c) UDA had proposed that SAFTEA withdraw the court action upon signing of the agreement, but SAFTEA proposed that it should be when the consent to transfer the BU land is obtained. The GOM and UDA will look into the possibility. d) SAFTEA proposed that due to the difference in the value of the Pudu land vis-a-vis the BU land, the GOM grant an extension of the lease of the BU land, which currently has 76 years left. GOM says that SAFTEA may apply, but it will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws; similarly for waiver of stamp duty and premium. (e) In the current draft agreement there is no reciprocity for SAFTEA to claim damages from UDA if the deal falls through. UDA is to consider this. (f) UDA to assist in applications for consent, as it was not in the draft to include it. UDA agreed to look into it. (g) UDA to ensure that any structure on the BU land is not torn down; UDA to consider this. (h) It was proposed by SAFTEA that consent from the land authority be obtained before proceeding with the agreement (the BU land contains a restriction, whereby the land cannot be transferred without the consent of the authority). (i) Instead of SAFTEA surrendering the Pudu land and only getting possession of the BU land five days later, that both processes be done simultaneously. (j) That instead of UDA inspecting the Pudu land on date of delivery of vacant possession only, both parties be allowed to inspect. The major impediment preventing SAFTEA from entering into the settlement with UDA and the GOM is the uncertainty of whether the consent to transfer is forthcoming. The waiver of stamp duty by the MOF is an issue which can be resolved through the raising of funds, as compared to getting a very valuable piece of land in return for SAFTEA moving out. On 28 August 2013, UDAs solicitors responded and agreed that while vacant possession will take place simultaneously, SAFTEA will only need to withdraw its suit when consent to transfer the BU land has been obtained. Case management was continued on 5 September, at which time the date for vacation of the Pudu land was given as 8 October. It should be noted that with this agreement, SAFTEA will become owners of a piece of land rather than getting a licence to occupy, as the authorities have been proposing since 1940.

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An Icon Retires
After serving SAFTEA diligently for 46 years, our Hon. General Secretary Joseph De Souza, affectionately known to all as Boni, has retired. In honour of his tireless, work, the club hosted an appreciation lunch, held on the 25th of August. The well-attended event saw over 200 people showing up to pay tribute to the man who has been and will continue to be such a SAFTEA icon. Sharply dressed as always, Bonis entrance was greeted by a welcome line of SAFTEA GC members and a standing ovation from the crowd. A lunch of Serani favourites followed, as did the musical stylings of the Winds of Change and the Jam Tarts. SAFTEA President Sheila De Costa paid tribute to Boni, SAFTEA would not be the same without him, she said. Former President Datuk Nick Peterson and Donald Schubert both regaled the crowd with stories ranging from Bonis youth to his contributions to the club. A huge chocolate cake bearing a portrait of Boni was ceremoniously cut, and he was presented with a plaque and a monetary gift from members of the association. Boni is famed for his renditions of Sinatra numbers, and true to form, he took to the stage to deliver one of ol Blue Eyes famous numbers. The day ended with pretty much everyone on the dance floor, and a visibly touched Boni assuring members that retirement is certainly not goodbye. For a video on the farewell and the land issue faced by the association, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-soiwEXaDo&feature=youtube_gdata_ player

SAFTEA President Sheila De Costa paid tribute to Boni, SAFTEA would not be the same without him , she said.

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JOSEPH DE SOUZA (BONI)

Our recently-retired Hon. General Secretary Joseph De Souza, affectionately known as Boni, was born in 1934, and grew up in the Bukit Bintang neighbourhood. His involvement with SAFTEA then the Selangor Eurasian Association began when he and his siblings followed his dad to the club for sports activities, circa 1965. Badminton was quite a craze at the time in KL, he recalls. At the time, the club was very formal, he says. Members would come in suits, even black tie, just to have drinks and play billiards. But my family and I, we were there just for the sporting facilities. In 1967, Boni became the Hon. General Secretary at the association, under thenPresident, Dennis Goonting. It was a post he went to after his nine-to-five clerk job with Holiday, Cutler & Bath Pte. Ltd.; at the time, he was paid an honorarium rather than a salary. I didnt know anything about being an Hon. General Sec., and learned on the job from Dennis secretary, says Boni. It may have been his second job, but Boni was as handson as any full-timer, even painting the walls of the clubhouse himself, with the help of a few other members. In 1970, Boni got married; his late wife, June, became actively involved in the association as well, helping out with the ladies section. She would often cook for the curry lunches back then, when we had the ladies of the association catering for them, he says. Involvement with the club was a family affair for the De Souzas; Bonis daughter Claire represented the association in hockey and tennis tournaments, and later represented Selangor in hockey. And both Claire and Bonis son Alvin helped out at the Christmas tree parties held every year, manning games stalls which used to be set up for all the kids then. They would get all their cousins to come in and help also, says Boni. I remember, at one party I had to pay for almost 15 kids to come in! In the end, thats how I became so involved with the club, because of the family, he adds; he could be found at SAFTEAs office full-time once he retired from Holiday, Cutler and Bath in 1989. And what an involvement it was! Bonis love affair with and service to the community has spanned over 46 years, and counting.

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Our Academic High-Flyers

On 30th June, the SAFTEA Education Fund High Achievers Awards organised a luncheon to honour several Eurasian youth who achieved great results in the 2012 academic year. These ranged from the UPSR to STPM and also the IGSE exam results. In addition to those who fall under SAFTEAs auspices itself, the awards were also opened up to those who came from other state Eurasian associations. The Education Fund was created in the 60s, to provide assistance to members children who distinguished themselves academically but required some financial assistance to further their studies. The programme was active in the 60s and 70s, but it underwent a period of lapse in the 80s and early 90s, and was then revived in 1999. The SAFTEA Education Fund is administered by Chairman and Fund-raising Coordinator Datuk Nick Peterson, along with his committee members Leslie Armstrong, Vivienne Edmonds, Adeline Louis, Jean Monteiro, Stewart Edmonds and Edward Joseph. The young high achievers received either the High Achiever Awards (HAA) or the Motivation Awards (MA). The HAA reward excellence in the UPSR, PMR, SPM and STPM exams, while MAs go to those who achieve As in the same. Leadership Awards are given to those who display exemplary leadership qualities in school activities. HIGH ACHIEVERS HONOUR ROLL SAFTEA Robert Bruce Jalleh (HAA): IGSE, 8As. He also received the Leadership Award Celeste Rebecca Gomez (MA): SPM, 6As Alaynna Jean Sta Maria (HAA): PMR, 6As Elyssa D Especkerman (HAA): PMR, 7As Deborah Crystal Roy (HAA): PMR, 7As David Theseira (HAA): UPSR, 5As PENANG Desiree Anne Gasper (HAA): SPM, 9As PERAK Eric Joseph Pereira (HAA): SPM, 10As Jonathan DOlivero (HAA): SPM, 7As NEGERI SEMBILAN Caithlin Eleanor Siebel (HAA): UPSR, 5As MALACCA Angela Nathan (MA): SPM, 7As Simeon Nonis (HAA): PMR, 7As Jeremy Yong (MA): PMR, 6As Maryanne Yong (HAA): UPSR, 5As SARAWAK Marie Esther Chapman (HAA): SPM, 9As

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THE DE COSTA-SU UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD The RM10,000 award for undergraduate studies was awarded to Melissa Ashley Johnson, 21, at the latest High Achiever Awards Ceremony. Melissa is the daughter of Anthony Johnson and Dorothy Nice, and granddaughter of former Vice President, the late Colonel Raymond Johnson and his wife Pamela. Melissa is currently in her first year at the Malaysian campus of the University of Nottingham, pursuing a BA (Hons) in International Relations and Spanish. The former High Achiever Award recipient is also a former deputy head girl at her school. Among her interests: rugby, tae kwan do and reading. She has competed in sporting activities at both a state and national level. Im an outgoing and adventurous individual, always ready to try new things and get involved in different organisations or activities, said Melissa. I feel that I am gifted with the ability to carry on a conversation with anyone with confidence, having been involved in many on stage performances - as such, I also have the confidence to speak publicly without fear. I am also a responsible individual who stops at nothing to get my work done! she added. SAFTEA congratulates Melissa. The Eurasian community is proud of this young go-getter!

SAFTEAS 90th AGM

The milestone 90th AGM for the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association was held on Sunday, 9th June 2013 as it would turn out, the last to be held at the Jalan Pudu clubhouse before we moved out. The election was followed by a warm and convivial fellowship among members. Incumbent President Sheila De Costa was retained for a further term, as was Deputy President, James Monteiro. Congratulations to the President and her General Committee.

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Youth Expressions
A brand-new initiative for the young launched earlier this year, SAFTEAs rocking Youth Expression series proved a real draw, providing a musical platform for young Serani bands (in the 16-30 age group) and encouraging both healthy competition and enthusiastic performance. Beginning on 13th April, preliminary rounds leading up to a final battle of both the band and solo categories were held every other Saturday over five weeks. Three bands competed at every round, with the weeks champion going on to the next round of the competition. As its fame spread, attendance also grew from an audience of 40 at its first event to about 100 at the finale. The musicians came from every genre imaginable. There were rockers The Marquee, Black Star, IYFF, Skies are Red, Revolution Kingdom and Chapter of Laughter and soulful soloists like Chanelle Gabrielle Guerzo, Gred Ramanado, Steven Achibabu Ramanado, Marissa Majella and Hameer Zawawi. There was reggae from Midnight and the Train and even hip-hop, with rapper Nigesh from NDMA. Blues duo Big and Small and some of KLs most prominent buskers, Amali, also wowed the crowd. Each YE instalment also featured guests artistes, ranging from Round Robin to Joy Shavini Victor and 9Lives, Rhythm Nation to rockers Blister at the finale. The music continued long into the night, with impromptu jam sessions among the competing and guest bands providing a nightcap. The finale was held on 22nd June, 2013, with Cheah Mun Kit of InterGlobal Music and former Alleycat Dato David Arumugamserving as judges.

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Youth Expressions
Greg (aka Boy Bravado) kicked things off with some R&B, followed by the tender vocals of Chanelle. Amali was up next, followed by a rock-and-rolling Kaya and the headbanging edge of IYFF. Results were calculated according to both judges scoring and a crowd vote. The judges were looking for originality of material, musicianship, stage presentation, audience response and recording viability. While waiting for the results, guest band Blister raised the roof, finishing with a rocked-up rendition of the classic Serani anthem, Jinkli Nona. As the night rocked to a close, Kaya dubbed very versatile by the judges walked away with the grand prize of RM500 and the opportunity to record their very first single with InterGlobal Music. Second place went to Channelle Gabrielle Guerzo who won RM300 and third placing went to IYFF, who won RM200. Thanks go out to Datuk Nick Peterson and the SAFTEA Education Fund for sponsoring the event; Dato Richard Robless also gave a donation of RM2,000 and J.P. Monteiro provided invaluable support. SAFTEA also records its thanks to the Youth Expressions organising chairman Arnold Monteiro, Cheryl Kimberly Monteiro and David Augustin (the latter two are under the age of 25. David is also a former recipient of the High Achiever Award). Due to its popularity, were hoping to hold Youth Expressions annually.

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Reports and Updates

FROM THE LADIES SECTION CHAIRPERSON, MAUREEN SIBERT SAFTEAs monthly family lunches saw a good-turn-out for most months this year. The event in June coincided with the High Achievers Awards Lunch, with many proud parents and grandparents coming to cheer on the young students who received cash awards for their excellent academic performances. Congrats to all those who received the awards, and keep up the good work! The August family lunch saw the biggest turn-out this year, as it was the farewell for our dear Hon. General Secretarys, Boni De Souza farewell. It was a moving and memorable afternoon. Thank you so much, Boni, for all the time and effort you have put in, especially with the family lunches and the seniors high tea events Elaine and I really appreciate all your help. Have a pleasant retirement and God bless you!

FROM THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, ELAINE ESPECKERMAN We have been having our usual Seniors High Tea gatherings on the second Sunday of every month, with a small but dedicated crowd of regulars. SAFTEA had its annual Thanksgiving Mass on 5th August, 2013, followed by a dinner and fellowship; it was indeed touching to see so many members and their families praying together in solidarity. The large turn-out was due in part to the knowledge that this would be our last Mass together at the Jalan Pudu clubhouse, as the upcoming move has been imminent for some time. I would like to register my special thanks to Neubert Ambrose, for assisting at the Mass and for proving the Mass booklets. My appreciation also goes out to Jennifer, Luke and Dennis Doss for the music. Thanks also goes out to those who contributed food for the fellowship. To all members and friends, thank you so much for your generous donations and most of all, for your presence at the Mass. God bless. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE EXERCISE As SAFTEA undergoes its move, from the existing clubhouse to a new location, the membership section is also undergoing a clean-up process to ensure all details are current, so that the association can better communicate with its members. Details needed: Full name Current address Correspondence address (if different from above) IC number Telephone number (house) Handphone number Email address

Please email all your updated details to the Membership Chairperson, Iris De Souza at [email protected]. The update period will be until 30th October, 2013; after this date, kindly check your membership status with Iris.

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Reports and Updates

REPORT FROM SPORTS CHAIRPERSON, EUGENE WILLIAM According to the darts convenor Bala Jamannan, SAFTEA sent a team in for the Kelab Aman Darts Tournament, held from 31st August to 1st September, 2013, at the said club premises. The team comprised Sha, the captain, Chandra, Kevin, Steven and Bala. A total of 18 teams participated, with SAFTEAs team being in Group B (which had 4 teams) in the preliminary round. We won two rounds and lost one, making us runners up and going on to the Winners Pool on the first day of the competition. The second day of the competition saw the team playing in the quarter finals against the Selangor Club team where SAFTEA won 8-3. In the semi-finals, SAFTEA met the Royal Commonwealth Club, beating them by 6-2 and moving on to the finals. The finals saw SAFTEA playing against the PJ Club Eagles, with the game ending in a 6-6 draw. A tie-break round was held, with SAFTEA then becoming overall runners-up, and winning RM1,500.

Safteas Crooners at the Inter-Club Karaoke ComPetition This year, the Inter-Club Karaoke Competition was hosted by the Raintree Club on 24 August. Seven clubs competed: Royal Commonwealth Society, Raintree Club, National Press Club, Royal Lake Club, Kelab Golf Negara Subang, SAFTEA and the Royal Selangor Club. Willy Nunis coordinated and headed SAFTEAs all-male team, which included Hilary Gomes, Carl Goonting, Patrick Nunis, Barry Westerhout. They all performed solos, with Barry and Carl also singing for the duet portion of the performance. It was a very enjoyable evening, with dinner at the Cerating Ballroom followed by the performances from each club. The winners of the duet category were Chow Xian Hui and Leong Kim Ming of the Raintree Club; the solo winner was Captain Abdul Rahim from the Royal Commonwealth Society. Congratulations to all the winners, and to our boys from SAFTEA: you did us proud!

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