CONFIRMATORY NOTES ON THE DISCUSSION FOR THE IMPENDING REUNION OF CLUB 12/68 FOR THE YEAR 2018 HELD ON 20 DECEMBER 2017 AT THE HIGH POINT OFFICE, SETIAWANGSA

This is a Confirmatory Notes on the discussion held on 20 Dece 2017.  In attendance were:

 

The discussion took off  at about 1430 hours with the Chairman welcoming and thanking those who came. He mentioned that considering that the year 2017 is coming to a close and we were about to welcome 2018 the meeting was called to
a. Discuss Club 12/68 program for the whole year of 2018.
b. Have a post-mortem on the previous RU in Bangkok.
The President in his Remarks stated
a.    He was happy and elated that the RU2017 BKK was over and went on well. He congratulated the Chairman and his Committee for a job well done. There were observations and commenis as this was to be expected. This would be touched by the chairman under the subject of the post-mortem..
b.    Reiterated that the meeting was held to discuss the ‘General Outline Plan’ for 2018.
c.    Indicated that since 2018 would be a  Year that we will commemorate the Club’s 50th anniversary then  it should be celebrated with pride and pomp. He mentioned that anniversary need not necessarily be one event only but a series of event.with a Grand Finale possibly on an auspicious date.
d.    He also congratulated the Squads for coming out with  the condolence and wishes for KD Richard and his family on his recent bereavement. He also commended  the Squads for coming forward to contribute to the family to offset expenses on their loss.
The Chairman continued the discussion with a Post Mortem of the previous outings which was the RU2017 Bangkok. He welcome comments and got a respond from:
a.    Burn- He felt that the programme was a bit too tight. Leaving us with not much rest and our own free time.
b.    Reportedly – The trip to the River Kwai was too long and of no benefit.
c.    Generally – The night river cruise and the cultural show was interesting and very entertaining.
d.    Generally – There were repeats of going to the same place like the TheElephant and Crocodile shows.
e.    JohnH –visit to the Floating Market was a bit of unclear as to the whether we would be on long-shafts OBM boats or on land or the area could be covered on foot.

In summary it was agreed that the program was a bit tight. To this the Chairman stated that it was due  to wanting to maximise our visit at the rates we  were paying. As for the River Kwai trip, most felt that it was a worthwhile trip. It was also mentioned that it may be more practical to sleep overnight in the area. Overall the Chairman, Committee and the President took note of the comments and wi ll endeavour to improve on it.

The Chairman continued with his perspective of a General Activities which would cover the following:
a.    Gathering Together.
b.    Visit to Places of Significance to Club 12/68.
c.    Visit as a CSR effort
d.    Tahlil.
e.    Formal Dinner.
f.    Grand Finale
g.    Most of the activities would be held in-country..
The views that were discussed included:
a.    Only golfers need to go overseas. These were objected to as our spouses need to come along overseas for a much-needed breaks – and that bit of shopping.
b.    The President reminded that there should be a Club 12/68 Family Gathering in-country.
c.    Have some activities in-country and some overseas

Based on these discussions, the Chairman presented what he perceived should be the activities for the Year 2018. It was  as follows..

The above itinerary were plotted as a general guideline as well as for planning purposes. It would be subject to scrutiny and feedbacks by members  to have a more clear and define programme.
The meeting concluded at about 1600 hours with thanks to the High Point Management as well as to John Ramli Harun for the sumptuous  lunch of nasi  briani  gam.
The Chairman will inform members of the next meeting.
Regards to All.
JOHN HAMZAH HASSAN
Secretary

 A TRAGEDY STRUCK US
Life was going on as normal for us of Club 12/68 with the usual banter on our WE12/68 Whatsapp Channel when at about 1450 hours on 13 Dec 2017, we received a posting from Hon Mun Loong of a tragedy that struck our brother KD Richard’s Family.

It was blurry at that moment but we were informed that Richard’s family suffered as described by him as follows:
” I lost my grandson in a fire, which was burnt down by thieves after they slashed and killed the two grandparents. Four died in that fire and my other grandson managed to escape with slash wounds too. It happened this mng at 6,00 am at Tg Sepat home by the sea … on way to Sepang.”
There was an immediate response from most of us exuding condolence and grief over his loss. We attended his daughter’s wedding at NUPW in PJ. This must be the son of that daughter and her husband.
Later on the incidents that happened got clearer through our squads’ query as well as through the MSM and social media. What was revealed was that ‘Richard’s besan” was assaulted by a known family friend. Other then the couple, the assailant also  assaulted  the grandson and set fire to the house. Another grandson, 12 years old managed to escape. The house was razed to the ground. I guessed by now we would have got a clearer picture what happened. Richard was devastated. Who wouldn’t? Losing 3 family members in a moment of frenzy and madness by the assailant.
I saw the President’s query and words of condolence. He was “shocked with disbelief and at that moment of grief asked if ‘there is anything I can do? I am just a call away”,  There were more after that. The President and a few more suggested that we start a ‘collection’ in monetary form to contribute to Richard and Family. In our mind it would at least offset the lost and hopefully contribute to the administrative requirement as well as rebuilding the house.
That started the ‘Collection Drive’. We received contribution from as far as the USA, Hong Kong and Australia besides those in residence. All contributions were managed by HashimYahaya, Bakar Baba and Apai. All collections were in cash and a group of us went to Richard’s house on the morning of  17 Dec 2017 to hand over the collection.

There was a total of more than RM 12,000.00. Hashim Yahaya spoke, Apai spoke, Bakar Baba spoke and Isa Hassan also spoke. Richard and wife , Veron was overwhelmed with the ‘support’ shown by his squads. He responded amongst others’ I am overwhelmed by the responses from our intake. I and wife are ever grateful.
Let us hope Richard and Veron will stay resolute in overcoming this terrible episode in their family life and emerge stronger. We wish them well.      
JohnH