SAFTEAs 91st

Annual General Meeting

9th Nov 2014

Annual Report 2013

www.saftea.blogspot.com

Date: 10 October 2014

To: All members of the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association.
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91 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SELANGOR AND FEDERAL TERRITORY

EURASIAN ASSOCIATION (SAFTEA)
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Notice is hereby given that the 91 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the Selangor And
Federal Territory Eurasian Association will be held as follows :th

Date: Sunday, 9 November 2014

Time: 10.30am
Place: Ballroom, Royal Commonwealth Society, No. 5, Jalan Birah, Damansara Heights, Kuala
Lumpur.

ORDINARY BUSINESS:
1.

Welcome address by the President.

2.

To confirm the minutes of the 90 AGM of SAFTEA held on 9 June 2013.

3.

To confirm and adopt the Annual General Report for the year ending 31 Dec 2013.

4.

To confirm and adopt the Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 Dec 2013.

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SPECIAL BUSINESS:
1.

Briefing on SAFTEAs Land and future plans.

2.

Proposal to amend fees for new membership applications:

a.

Entrance Fee to RM100 for Life Membership (Ordinary and Associate)

b.

Waiver of Entrance Fee and Annual Subscription for Students, up to 25 years of age.

Such approval shall continue to be in force until the conclusion of the next Annual General
Meeting of the members, at which time it will lapse, unless by a vote passed at the meeting,
the authority is renewed;

Attention: Please take note of the following:

Rule 10(d) Life member shall pay an annual subscription of RM100/-, payable in advance.

Rule 10(e) A Senior Citizen member shall pay a subscription of RM50/- per annum, payable
in advance.
Subscription payments will not be entertained on the day of the AGM.

Any Member wishing to raise any questions on the Annual Report and the Annual Accounts
is reminded to use the enclosed form and send it via email to (safteurasian@gmail.com), by
fax 03-87391660 or via the postal service to the above address. All questions (written) are to
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reach the Acting Honorary General Secretary by the 4 of November, 2014.

Lunch will be provided for all, after the closure of the AGM.

ENTITLEMENT TO ATTEND AND VOTE AT THE AGM

1.

For the purpose of determining the members who shall be entitled to attend the AGM, the
General Committee will refer to the Membership Registry as at 19 October 2014. All
members are in any one of these categories :

2.

Life Member Ordinary

Life Member Associate (no voting rights)

Life Member Senior Citizen

A member who shall be entitled to attend :

Is an Active member. Active member is a person who is current in his/ her annual
subscriptions.

Is a new member. He/ She has joined the Association in 2014 and is current in
annual subscription.

Spouse and children under 18 years of age, of an Active member.

REGISTRATION
1.

Registration will start at 9.30am and will close 15 minutes after commencement of AGM, or
such time as may be determined by the Chairman of the Meeting. Members are requested to
be punctual.

2.

Please produce your ORIGINAL Identity Card (IC) or Membership Card during registration
for verification. No photocopy of IC or Membership Card will be accepted. After registration
and signing of the Attendance List, please vacate the registration area. Only Registered
Members are allowed to enter the Meeting hall.

3.

After verification and registration, you will be given an identification wristband red for
Ordinary Members, another colour for Associate Members. Only those with red wristbands
are allowed to vote during the Meeting. There will be no replacement, in the event you lose or
misplace the identification wristband.

4.

Please note that you will not be allowed to register on behalf of another person, even with the
original IC or Membership Card of that other person.

5.

The registration counter will only handle the verification of members and registration. If you
have other queries or need clarification relating to registration, please refer to the next
counter (Enquiry Counter).

ENQUIRIES PRIOR TO THE AGM

1.

If you have any enquiry relating to the AGM or your membership status, please contact the
following persons:

Membership Iris De Souza

Acting Hon Gen Sec Gerald M. Lee

By order of the General Committee,

Gerald M. Lee
Second Vice President &
Acting Honorary General Secretary

SAFTEA AGM Nov 2014

QUESTION FORM

Date :

Members,
We look forward to your attendance and participation. To serve you better, the General Committee
asks that if you do have questions for the GC at the AGM, please write them in this form and send it to
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us by the 4 of November 2014. Please send it to :

SAFTEA Administration,
A-02-21 Jalan Sri Kenari 10, Taman Sri Kenari, Sg Chua,
43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: 03-87391670. Fax: 03-87391660.
Email: safteurasian@gmail.com

From: ...........................................
(Signature)

..........................................................
(Name)

...............................
(Membership No.)

Question :

Question :

Question :

Kindly make copies if insufficient

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW FY 2013

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Your General Committee takes pleasure in presenting the Annual Report for the period under review,
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together with the audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013.

GENERAL COMMITTEE
Meeting attendance
President

Ms. Sheila E. De Costa

11/12

Deputy President

Mr. James P. Monteiro (resigned February 2014)

3/6

Vice-President

Mr. Darren G. Duarte

9/12

Vice-President

Mr. Gerald M. Lee

5/6

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. Joseph de Souza (resigned July 2013)

6/6

Acting Hon. General Secretary Mr. Gerald M. Lee

5/6

Hon. Treasurer

Ms. Joan Marbeck

6/6

Chairperson, Ladies Section

Mrs. Maureen Sibert

11/12

Chairperson, Senior Citizens

Ms. Elaine Especkerman

11/12

Chairman, F&B and Youth

Mr. Arnold Monteiro

6/6

Membership

Ms. Iris De Souza

5/6

PR and Publicity

Ms. Janice Monteiro-Lewis & Suzanne Lazaroo

3/6, 3/6

House & Grounds

Mr. Hilary Gomes (resigned March 2014)

2/6

Sports & Recreation

Mr. Eugene William

3/6

Committee Member

Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

8/12

Committee Member

Mr. Yap Tee Loy

12/12

Committee Member

Ms Julia Nicholas

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Our President sets the direction and goals, and has created a cohesive working environment for the
GC to function and perform to the fullest.

The GC was challenged to improve the overall operations and finances of the association. Each
member of the GC put in significant effort to achieve the goals set by the President. The team effort
improved with having common goals and similar challenges.

We dealt with issues collectively where possible, while always keeping in mind that our role was to
serve the needs and aspirations of the Members at large.

At times, GC members criss-crossed turfs and got involved in several parts of the operations and
contributed where they could, without causing interference. They expressed themselves freely while
maintaining focus on the job and their common objectives. Where necessary, they shared and
compromised. The cooperation and support was impressive.
Joseph de Souza (Uncle Boni) resigned in July 2013, leaving a vacuum. After some hard work and
support from Uncle Boni, we recovered and were on the road once again.
Our President Sheila, has very kindly allowed SAFTEA to use part of her office in Kajang as the
SAFTEA nerve centre. After reorganising ourselves, we picked up the pieces and got our act together
all over again.
Our monthly functions such as the Family Lunches, and other events, continued at the Royal
Commonwealth Association Facilities at Damansara Heights.
We take this opportunity to thank the Members for their support and for supporting the endeavours of
the GC.

Gerald M Lee
Second Vice President &
Acting Honorary General Secretary

The minutes and attendance at the 90th Annual General Meeting of the Selangor and
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Federal Territory Eurasian Association held on Sunday, 9 June 2013 at 10.10am, at the
Associations premises at 167, Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Present (Ordinary Voting Members)

Mr. Francis Sta Maria

Ms. Yvette Ash

Ms. Julia M. Nicholas

Ms. Maggie De Costa

Ms Maureen Especkerman-Sibert

Ms Elaine Especkerman

Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

Mr. Maurice P. Dragon

Mr. Joseph de Souza

Ms. Valerie Carroll

Ms. Iris de Souza

Mr. Gerard (Cooper) Sta Maria

Ms. Sheila E. De Costa

Mr. John de Souza

Dato Richard Robless

Mr. Denis Armstrong

Mr. Robert S. Lewis

Mr. Stanley C. Augustin

Mr. Patrick Nunis

Mr. Derek M. Surin

Mr. Gerald M. Lee

Ms. Lydia Gomes

Mr. L. Leslie Armstrong

Mrs Shirley De Costa

Mr. C. Joe De Costa

Ms. Eloner Brohier

Ms. Alice B. Bain

Mr. A. Griffin Hendroff

Ms. Ruth Campbell

Ms. Michelle A. Nunis

Mr. Timothy D. Robless

Mr. William P. Nunis

Mr. L.J. Sta Maria

Mr. Darren G. Duarte

Mr. Terrance S. Marbeck

Mr. Joseph M. Lopez

Mr. Herman Anthony

Mr. Cyril V. Pereira

Lt. Col (Rtd) Dato A. J. Silva

Ms. Suzanne Lazaroo

Mr. Gerard de Rozario

Dr. Donald C. de Rozario

Ms. Dorothy Newton

Mr. Arnold Monteiro

Mr. Hilary C. Gomes

Ms. Rita E. Pinto

Ms Joan M. Marbeck

Ms. Yvonne Edmonds

Mr. Martin Theseira

Datuk Nick Peterson

Mr. James P. Monteiro

Mr. Peter J. Skelchy

Ms. Sylvia Beven

Mr. V. Jude Singho

Mr. Eugene A. William

Mr. Derrick G. Lopes

Ms. Patricia M. Cox

Ms Samantha R. Manohar

Mr. Michael G. Singho

Mr. Alloysius J. Surin

Mr. Edward A. Theseira

Mrs. Yvonne Wambeck

Datin Linda Sinasamy

Mr. Adam Wambeck

Mr. Julian P. Monteiro

Mr. Denis M. Doss

Mr. J. Andrew Murugesu

Datin Ann Peterson

ASSOCIATE AND (NON-VOTING MEMBERS)

Mr. Yap Tee Loy

Mr. N Sivasailam

Ms. Patricia A. Fernandez

Mr. Carl Goonting

Mr. M.P. Boudville

Mr. Jack Senainyalam

Mr. Alex Liew

Mr. Balaraman a/l Kani

Ms. Anne Tan

Mr. Bernard de Souza

Ms. Peggy P. Marsh

Dato Lawrence Lim

Mr. Su Tiang Joo

SUPPLEMENTARY MEMBERS (SPOUSES) AND OBSERVERS

Ms. Sangita Rajahmuny

Mrs. Dorothy Rosario

Mr. Tey Wei Quan

Ms. Stephanie Pinto

Mr. Richard Stevenson

Mr. Paul Danker

Mrs. Susan Danker

Ms. Lilian De Costa

Mrs. Betty de Rozario

Mrs. Theresa Hendroff

Mr. William Anthony

Mrs. Vivian Duarte

Mrs. Jean Monteiro

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To begin the 90 Annual General Meeting, the President, Ms. Sheila E. De Costa, invited Mr.
Leo Leslie Armstrong to open the meeting with a prayer.

After the prayer, the Hon General Secretary, Mr. Joseph de Souza, read the Agenda of the 90

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Annual General Meeting.

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Report by the President of SAFTEA at the 90 AGM

Good Morning, Ladies & Gentlemen. Before I begin with my speech, may we be upstanding and
observe a one-minute silence for the repose of the souls of Members who have passed on.

This is the time when we, as your elected representatives, have to give an account of how we have
run SAFTEA. The Hon General Secretary has given an account of the events and functions the GC
has organized and held this past year.

Inadvertently, 2 reports were not enclosed. You will find it in the handouts given at the door, reports
for The Sunday Family Lunch, and the SAFTEA Education Fund.

The Sunday Family Lunch saw many new people attending, sometimes a capacity crowd. These
regular monthly functions held on the last Sunday of each month, and the mid-month Sunday Senior
Citizens Hi Tea, bring in steady revenue to the Association. The Association records its gratitude to
Maureen and Elaine respectively, and their teams for getting these functions organized monthly.

I must, however, make mention of the following functions organized in 2012, namely the Candle Light
Vigil, Annual Treasure Hunt, Inter Club Karaoke Competition and Annual Presidents Ball.
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The Candle Light Vigil was held on the eve of St. Johns feast day on the 23 of June. It was a night
when the best of humanity was shown. It was the eve of the day when the notice from UDA was to
expire and we were to be evicted after nearly 60 years at this site.

It was a vigil lasting until 6am and the purpose was to highlight our plight. Although, as it then stood,
we were not to be evicted the following day. 170 persons attended the Vigil, with many bringing food,
and the musicians donated their services. It was a magical night and a miracle similar to the 12

loaves of bread and 5 fishes happened because our food never ran out! The vigil began with the
Breviary (Divine Office Prayer) conducted by Denis Doss, assisted by Iris De Souza.
The Annual Presidents Ball theme was Treasured Memories at Jalan Pudu, as it was possibly the
last to be held at the Association clubhouse. It was held in November and the occasion was graced
by YB Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi, the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, and his charming wife, Datin
Feona. The event brought in revenue of RM106,566.00, surpassing the 2011 revenue of
RM49,840.00. We managed to make a surplus of RM84,794.00, surpassing the Hon Treasurers
target of RM60,000.00! With this, we managed to pay all our debts of 2012 and 2011, as well as
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giving the Association an overall surplus of RM22,978.00 for the financial year ended 31 December
2012. This was the best performance in the last decade!

The Inter Club Karaoke Competition was held at the clubhouse in August, after a hiatus of many
years. The event was organized by Mr. Derek Surin, and saw youth under 30 years old, namely,
Kimberly Monteiro, Cassandra Gomes and Danyal Cheah, participating, in addition to our old
favourites, Mr. Hilary Gomes and Mr. Brian Fernandez.

One of the Judges who graced our event was the evergreen Datuk DJ Dave and Mix FM DJs
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Charlene Wong & Iona Abu Bakar. Kimberly did us proud by coming in overall 3 . We also thank
Sean Su (also under 25 years old), for quickly and efficiently doing the tabulation of the results online.

The other event of importance was The Malaysian Eurasian Games (MEG), held by the Penang
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Eurasian Association on the 11 and 12 of November 2012. SAFTEA sent a contingent of 54

members and supporters, led by our Deputy President and Chef de Mission, Mr. James Monteiro.
The 3-day meet saw us compete with our brethren from Penang, Malacca, Perak, Kedah, Negeri
Sembilan and Singapore. It was a meeting of long-lost friends and relatives. SAFTEA participated in
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almost all the games, and obtained an overall 3 placing. SAFTEA is committed to hosting the 2

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MEG in March 2014.

The Annual Treasure Hunt was revived and held at the Port Dickson Golf & Country Club over 2 days
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on the 25 & 26 August, 2012. Over 60 members and friends took part and/ or supported the event.
The winners of the Treasure Hunt won the inaugural Swithin A. Monteiro Challenge Trophy. Also on
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a sporting note, SAFTEA hosted the Inter Club Darts Invitational Tournament from 5 to 7 July, 2012
at Dataran Merdeka, where our SAFTEA team emerged the champion in a nail-biting finish. The
tournament was held at Dataran Merdeka and not at the clubhouse due to UDAs notice to vacate
having been received at a time when the darts tournament was still in its preparatory stages. The
Association records its gratitude to Datuk Nick Peterson for making the introduction to the Tenant of
Dataran who let us have the premises rent-free.

The Youth section has a fresh new beginning and the GC and I are very encouraged by how the
series called the Youth Expressions had brought the 16 to 30 age group to the clubhouse. The
event is held on a Saturday, every 2 weeks with 3 bands competing, with one band emerging
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champion for the week. The series spans 5 weeks; in the 6 week, a finale will be held on 22/6/2013,
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with all the weekly champions competing. The series began on 7 April, 2013. Since then, it has
been growing from strength to strength, with 40 youths attending the first event to about 70 to 100
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youth attending the one on the 27 May, 2013. The purpose of this event is two-fold an outreach
by the Association for the youth to know about SAFTEA and to encourage them to come to the
clubhouse to hang out. Thank you, Datuk Nick Peterson and the SAFTEA Education Fund, for
sponsoring the event. The other donor was Dato Richard Robless, who provided sponsorship of
RM2,000.00, and Mr. J P Monteiro, who fully supported and attended the event.

SAFTEA records its thanks to the organizing Chairman Mr. Arnold Monteiro, Miss Kimberly Monteiro
and Mr. David Augustin (the latter two are under the age of 25 years). The incoming committee
should consider having the youth event on a regular basis.
I wish to add to The SAFTEA Euducation report by thanking Dato Richard Robless, who did not
want to accept the refund from SAFTEA of the loan of RM12,000.00 made to the Association years
ago (see page 8 of the accounts). Instead, he kindly converted the sum into a donation of
RM10,000.00 to the Education Fund and RM2000.00 to the Youth Expressions event.

At this meeting we remember particularly our Vice President, Edward Joseph, who passed away on
4/5/2013. We remember his quick wit and funny one-liners. We also remember a dedicated and
faithful member of SAFTEA and GC till the end. He was a Membership Chairman under a previous
term. He made sure we had a contract with the beer supplier, re-organized the bar, organized our
New Years Eve Dance, was our MC for special functions and was the GC representative to the
Education Fund. He never missed a meeting, until he became very ill in December 2012. SAFTEA
records its thanks to Derek Surin, Darren Duarte (who took over from Edward as Vice President,
upon Edwards demise) and Yap Tee Loy, who stepped in to handle the bar when Edward took ill.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now in the cyber and Internet age. The incoming committee should
look into AGM notices and reports being sent online or via CD Roms. This will ensure that only a
limited number of hard copies of the annual report will be printed to save costs as well as to go
green. Our blog is up to date on all events and you can view the latest Berita online too. This will
address the issue of being held to ransom by the vagaries of the postal service.

The Land Issue

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am now going to give you a report on the matter that concerns us all, the land issue.

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Briefly: in 1940 we were offered land with an area of about 4 acres in Maxwell Road. We could not
accept the land, as we then could not afford to build a clubhouse. After the war, when we wanted to
accept the land, it was unavailable as the military was using it, and would then only be available in
1955. As far as records show, we never did claim the land after 1955.

A valuation was conducted at our request in 2012, and the Maxwell Road plot is now valued in
excess of RM75 million.

We moved here in October 1953. We have been here for 60 years. The area occupied by SAFTEA is
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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 in 2012, Ladies and Gentlemen, is in excess of RM33 million. Special thanks goes to Mr.
Gary Liew of Henry Butcher who did the valuation for us, rendered valuable advice gratis and who
also attended 2 meetings with the GC with UDA and the Government of Malaysia.

It has been said that we could never get this plot as it is belongs to the Jail Reserve. Ladies and
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Gentlemen, in 1981 on the 20 of July to be exact, a letter was written by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala
Lumpur to the Kuala Lumpur Land office stating that they had no objections to the use of this plot as a
private institution by SEA.

This was the closest that SAFTEA ever got to getting this plot. Documents from that time show that
the then-President Geoff Leembrugen had gotten architects to draw up plans for a building on this
plot. Then we had a change of leadership, and this letter and everything else got lost, only to be
found 30 years later in 2012 in DBKLs office by our Mr. John De Souza who worked with our lawyers
on the land issue. In 1985, without knowing what had happened in 1981, SEA applied for TOL and
was duly rejected by the authorities. This saga has continued until we got the eviction notice from
UDA in 2012.

The story might have been different had there been continuity, and today we might be having our
meeting on a RM33 million piece of land with a 10-storey building!

Ladies and Gentlemen, in 2011 it was reported at the AGM that we had got from UDA an intention to
rent us 1000 to 3000 square feet in UDAs development.

So in 2012, UDA attempted to evict us. What did we do? The GC and I met with the Minister of
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Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing on 7 May 2012 in Putrajaya and on 8 October 2012 at
Parliament. Those who attended the first meeting were Edward Joseph, Derek Surin, Elaine
Especkerman, Maureen Sibert and myself together with the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat,

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Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi, who facilitated the meeting. At the second meeting, as the time was changed
by the minister at the eleventh hour, only Edward Joseph and I attended.
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The second meeting with the minister was to follow up on what he had suggested at the 7 May
meeting that our Pudu plot could be excised from the whole prison land. The minister informed us
that he had tried to get the land excised and asked us to apply for RM500,000 from the Government. I
did this immediately and only got a call from his office a month later; after that, there was no news on
this. As you all will know, the Minister lost in the recent General Elections, so it looks like we have to
start all over again.

Our lawyers, Cheah, Teh & Su have attended court more than 13 times since the first case
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management on 13 June 2012, the last being scheduled for the 7 June 2013. Your GC and I have
attended 4 meetings with UDA and the Government of Malaysia on 2

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August 2012, 3 September

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2012, 25 September 2012 (with the Attorney Generals Chambers representatives, JUPEM and
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UDA at the clubhouse) and 11 January 2013. These do not include a number of consultations and
meeting with the lawyers.

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 (only after legal action had commenced). It is valued at between
RM2.5 million (UDAs valuation) and RM5 million (Henry Butchers valuation). The offer was only
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given to us on 23 November 2012, and we finally accepted it on 11 January 2013.

That was between SAFTEA & UDA. From the Government of Malaysia, we asked for the following
add-ons:
1.

Waiver of stamp duty on transfer (the cost is between RM68,000.00 RM144,000.00)

2.

Waiver of premium on extension of lease (the cost is about RM25,000.00)

3.

Waiver of quit rent/ assessment

4.

Ex-gratia payment

5.

Increase in plot ration from 1:4 to 1:6

6.

JKR to build for us; and

7.

Temporary premises.

The Government of Malaysia is not giving us anything, but we may apply for waiver of stamp duty and
premium. We have agreed that we will give possession simultaneously, ie. we give up Pudu and they
give us Bangsar Utama on the same day. We are awaiting a response from the Government of
Malaysia, and hopefully we can finalize the agreement in the short term. This is the position as at
today.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I must record my gratitude to my husband and SAFTEAs lawyer, Mr. Su
Tiang Joo of Cheah, Teh & Su, his partner, Mr. Teh Eng Lay and their assistant Mr. Tony Tey, who

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have worked tirelessly and quickly on this our problem. SAFTEA has been blessed to have him as
land-based litigation is his forte.
Election of New GC Members
2013 being an election year, not only for the Nation but also for SAFTEA. I would like to thank all the
GC members of the 2011-2013, who served the Association selflessly, despite the many challenges
faced, regardless of sickness of self, of spouse, or death no function was cancelled. The spirit of cooperation and charity was and is evidently thriving.
I would ask you to choose wisely, choose a person who can and is willing to serve and who has the
time and ability to offer. Do not choose someone simply because he/ she is your friend.
This will most probably be our last AGM at 167, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.
May Almighty God bless SAFTEA and us all. I end with a quote from St Francis of Assisi where
there is discord, may we bring harmony.

Sheila E. De Costa
President, SAFTEA

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Minutes of Proceedings of Last AGM

After the Presidents speech, the Hon. General Secretary, Joseph De Souza read out the
amendments in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting, in the Notice of the Meeting, in the Annual
Report, and in the Accounts.

The Deputy President, Mr. James P. Monteiro then informed the House that in accordance with Rule
14(f) of the Rules and By-Laws of the Association, it shall be competent for any member to raise
questions on the Annual Report without notice, save for the Annual Accounts.
Dato Richard Robless: Minutes are records of proceedings. Minutes record what has transpired. If
you look at pages 4 & 5, of the white pages, you will find that notes had been added to the minutes by
the Hon. General Secretary. This is highly improper and if you look at the minutes itself, it gives
undue and unjustified credence. Statement made by UDA. The meeting which it refers to was
attended by the previous President, the present Deputy President and yours truly. What has been
added on to the minutes does not give the full story, because in that meeting, we also asked for an
alternative site and additional building. In order to avoid any complication, I would request that the
whole notes be expunged from the Minutes. Thank you.

President, Sheila De Costa: So noted.

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Hon. General Secretary: Now we come to Item 2 on the Agenda, to confirm the minutes of the 89
AGM (as amended).

Datuk N. Peterson brought up the matter regarding the minutes and said that in future it was not
necessary for a verbatim report of the proceedings but if a summary could be made of the minutes,
thereby ensuring that the salient points and decisions were not left out.

The Hon. General Secretary said that it was noted.

Ms Julia Nicholas then proposed that the Minutes be accepted and it was seconded by Mr. Gerald M.
Lee.

Hon. General Secretary: OK, now we come on to Item 3 of the Agenda. To confirm and adopt the
Annual Report for the year ended 31.12.12. Can we have a proposer and a seconder?

Datuk N. Peterson: Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I notice in the Annual Report which is
of course, the proceedings of the year 2012. The land issue had not been captured in the Annual
General Report. So, since that is a vital aspect of your deliberations, during the year 2012, I think it
should be captured in some way. At least a lot of what you said just now will put in on record that

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these things occurred, and maybe also, at this stage, I know the legal firm has been supporting the
club very strongly on this issue. And I notice in the accounts there are some payments for the
disbursements. Do we have any indication on the costs that we may be liable for?

President Sheila De Costa: We will deal with it on the accounts. Regarding the Annual Report, I think
the in-coming committee will have to consider putting the Presidents current report in the Report, so
that the meeting will be much shorter as well. So that we can have, the current report, the past
minutes. I think that would be a lot clearer, then we would not have the confusion of whether it is
2011 or 2012 and things like that. The in-coming committee should look at that.
Dato Richard Robless then proposed that the Annual Report be confirmed and adopted and it was
seconded by Mr. Gerald M. Lee.
Hon. General Secretary: Now we come to Item 4, on the Agenda to confirm and adopt the Annual
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Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012.

Hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. Ivan Rosario: Good morning Ladies & Gentlemen. Just a very short report on
the accounts. We have not received any untoward request or clarification required, and we have
made a healthy profit for the year.

Deputy President, Mr. James P. Monteiro: Thank you Datuk Nick for your query just to clarify the
issue. Actually the term Legal Fee is not entirely correct. It should actually read as disbursements.
What the Association had paid the legal firm is basically expenses which they have incurred on
behalf of the Association. Such as searches which they had done; travelling which they had to do.
Also in respect of photo copying; I understand that they have done a tremendous amount of photo
copies that they had made in respect of the documents necessary to support the case. And also
documents which they had to procure from the relevant authorities. So that RM6,120.00 is not legal
fees, it is actually disbursements, expenses which we had to reimburse the legal firm. Does that
answer your query? I think for the purpose of the 2012 records, there are no legal fees, let us get that
clear and the matter is still on going. If you ask me to answer the question, I really dont think we are
in a position to answer that question as it stands. For purposes of the 2012 record there was no legal
fees payment. It is only expenses that should be read as disbursements. Thank you.

Mr. Timothy Robless: With regard to your response on the legal fees, I made a query during the
internal audit and the response was slightly different. The responds was that these are disbursement
only paid for court case No.21 NCVC 109-05-2012 filed in K.L. High Court case: Saftea V UDA and
the Government of Malaysia.

Mr. James P. Monteiro: Timothy, I think the answer you received was more specific to the suit
number. But what I am saying is, whatever expenses the legal firm has incurred, in respect of that

15

legal suit which will obviously include photo copying from the authorities, photocopying of documents,
authorities are filed in court I mean that would come under the umbrella of disbursement. Do you
understand what I am saying?
Dato Richard Robless: I think we have to be clear because as far as legal actions are concerned,
there are three types of fees. We are talking about (i) if for the disbursement, which you covered (2)
attending court cases, and (3) is the actual legal fees which is paid as the professional fee. These
are the three, so which have we covered?
Mr. James P. Monteiro: Dato, my answer is of the disbursement which appear in the accounts.
Disbursement, we are not talking of legal fees, because it does not reflect in the 2012 accounts.
Dato R. Robless: What about 2013, are we making any projections?

Mr. James P. Monteiro: I will have to leave that to the in-coming committee Dato. But Timothy, that
suit number which we gave you is the suit number which is currently pending and the disbursements
incurred are in respect of that suit. It is not for something else.

Mr. Timothy: They mentioned for land search.

Mr James Monteiro: Timothy, we are fighting a land issue, with due respect, obviously we have to
incur expenses for land search, pay for land searches, things like that and that would fall under the
umbrella of disbursements. So when I say land issue, it includes the legal suit and everything that
was done to support the legal suit.

Mr. Timothy Robless: Thank you.

Mr. James Monteiro: Thank you, sir.

Mr. Denis Armstrong wanted to know what the final figures for the New Years Eve Dance were,
because in the statement of accounts, all he could see was the sum of RM1,400.00 as collection for
the New Years Eve dance.

Mr. Ivan Rosario pointed out to Mr. Armstrong that if he looked at page 6 of the accounts, under
accruals, the monies were all there.
Mr. James Monteiro added that all the monies under accruals were not for the New Years Eve
function only, but for all the other functions as well, and that each function had its own statement of
accounts.

16

President Sheila De Costa said that all the sets of accounts, as well as the documents, were in the
conference room for inspection by members.

Mr. Joe De Costa proposed that the accounts be confirmed and adopted and it was seconded by Mr.
Stanley C. Augustin.

Mr. James Monteiro: We have received two queries on the annual Report. I will answer the query
sent in by Mr. Jude Singho.

Mr. Jude Singho said that he wrote in to voice by his dissatisfaction of not receiving the SAFTEA
Annual Report to this day, in spite of informing by SMS, followed by a call to the SAFTEA office.

James Monteiro: We have encountered the same problem. I would suggest whoever is here maybe
we should take down everybodys email address and those who dont have, write to them officially
and get their e-mail address. I get mine according to whatever functions that are held here, through
the Associations emails.

Jude Singho: Throughout the year we only had one Berita, which was promised to us last year that
we will have a regular quarterly Berita so we as members will know what is happening in the club. I
think communication is very important for members because we live quite far. We are not always
here for whatever reasons, but whatever it is our heart is here where our second home is. So I think
we have to improve this part of communication. Thank you.

Mr James Monteiro: Thank you, Jude. Thank you for your email. We have discussed this at the GC
and we acknowledge the fact that there seems to be some sort of a problem, I do not know what is
wrong with our Postal Service, because I myself took the people who run our office to task. Look this
cannot be happening here. Year in, year out I was assured that all the posting have been done
properly. In fact, it was done at the Pos Besar, which is in Dayabumi Building and was not as though
certain quarters here are been singled out. I think that is the message I want to get across. Nobody
was singled out. It was all posted out. We really do not know what happened, but we note what you
have said and that something in fact was discussed at a GC meeting. So what we are going to do
next year is to upload the entire accounts and the report on to the Blogspot. So that if you are ITsavvy, you know you do not have to wait for your letter to arrive in the post. You can actually
download it or read it off the Blogspot.
In respect of the emails, I would encourage you to update your address as what Jude had said. If
everyone here could update their emails, they will quite happy to alert everyone when we have
functions.

In respect of the Berita, yes Jude, we had two Beritas last year. We would have loved to have more. I
know we should not have excuses but really, last year the GC was running below par.

17

We had people who were sick. We had people who had left the GC. With all we had to do, I think we
were struggling to have four Beritas. But having said that, the Blogspot was up dated regularly. I
would encourage everyone to basically to go the Blogspot and get your up dates from there. But next
year we hope to improve it. This is what I said previously if we could get assistance from members to
come forward to volunteer to sit with the Publication Committee, we will be quite happy to have four
newsletters out for the next one year. Thank you very much.

President Sheila De Costa: There was another letter received from Associate Member Christine
Chow. I will make a reply to her personally but basically she has asked as to why there were no
individual committee reports. The Hon. General Secretary himself had done a basic report. As the
Deputy President had said, a lot of this committee members had left us. That is why when you
choose you have to choose committed people. Some have either resigned or were sick or passed
away. Honestly, it all happened and it is not to say, we are trying to give excuses, and the Ladies
Chairpersons report was inadvertently left out, so was the Education Report.

The other question that Christine Chow raised was that there seemed to be a lack of appreciation for
members who had helped the club like Deric Sibert, as well as Alan Zechariah. It is not we do not
appreciate what they have done but it is not the practice that everyone that passes away that we got,
if not we would spend ages on it. We stood up and said a prayer for one minute for them, mentioned
their names. I think in the years when they had helped, due recognition was indeed given. The other
question that she posed basically was the same question that was posted last year. The Scholarship,
and why was it under this name. Basically I think I will refer her to the past years report, when Datuk
Nick replied. The other thing was the land issue which Dato Robless who said that we should put it in
the Report.
Dato Richard Robless made mention that on her point about those who had passed on. There are
individuals who have contributed a great deal to the club and I think we should give them space.
Deric Sibert and Alan Zechariah did contribute significantly. We can mention everybody but certain
individuals who have contributed, I think we should give them space. Just like the late Swithin
Monteiro. We did write up something for him. I think we should honour them.

President Sheila De Costa: Thank you very much that will be noted, but also need some people to
come up and write for us. If you want to say about something about them then, it will be much better
if his (or their) friends write about them. I take your point; I would also like the members to be
proactive if they can. Send in a writeup about them. Some photographs. It would be most
appreciated.

Hon. General Secretary: We have covered all the letters. Datuk Nick, did you send anything?

18

Mr. Timothy Robless said that he had two questions. The first: are the employees of SAFTEA being
paid a minimum wage of RM900.00 in accordance with the recent minimum wage gazetted by
Parliament?

Mr. James Monteiro answered that the Association did not have any full-time employees which will
fall within the ambit of the Act as it stands. All of them are part-timers working on a fixed rate as it
stands. The incoming GC to follow up with the matter.

Mr. Timothy Robless: My second question is, what internal controls are in place to regulate financial
claims to prevent financial fraud and corruption in the Association? In my internal audit for 2011, I
recommended corrective action that all claims by General Committee members are backed up by
supporting documents. In 2012 there were even more claims running into thousands of ringgit. They
were not backed by supporting documents. What internal controls are in place?
Mr. Ivan Rosario said that basically when we looked at claims, the first thing that we do was we ask
them to sign vouchers, number one. Number two, where you claimed that we must back it up with
invoices payments receipts, we found that it is a bit difficult. How were we going to ask, for instance,
waiters who worked part-time to issue us with an invoice? So we got them to sign just a voucher to
show that they had received the amount of money. This would only happen when there were
functions, when we asked for extra helpers to come in. Certain items, we were not able to get
invoices but we acknowledged that we made payment via the vouchers and they signed and that the
vouchers were acknowledged by the Deputy President and me or the President and me.
Mr. Timothy said that when someone goes up on the stage and told some jokes, the General
Committee member could make claim and sign the voucher and the Association would pay him for it?
Mr. James Monteiro said, I think you are referring to a specific event, Timothy. I think we have
addressed that. Now, in respect of that particular case if I may, that performance, the offer for that
performance was tabled before the General Committee. It was passed by the GC. The performance
came, they performed and they had to sign a voucher in respect of what they did. ID their
performance, they performed because it was witnessed by everyone else and they were paid after
their performance on that day.

Mr. Timothy Robless said that he would like the mandate of the Committee that any claim in the
future, by any General Committee member had to be backed by supporting documents. Payments
should not be made if supporting documents were not presented, because there are claims running
up to RM8,000.00, not backed up by supporting documents. There should be appropriate internal
control.
Mr. James Monteiro said that claim for RM8,000.00 was made by me. That was in respect of the
Penang Eurasian Games. The cost was set out in the letter of invitation that was sent by Penang

19

once we had confirmed our 54 participants. The cost was RM150.00 each and we had then paid
based on that. There was the formal letter of invitation by the President of PEA, Penang Eurasian
Association, acceptance by us. It was a cheque forwarded under the cover of a letter to the Penang
Eurasian Association, captured by the Penang Eurasian Association accounts, and they subsequently
issued a receipt.
Mr. Timothy Robless said that for the RM8,000.00 plus for the Presidents Ball, there were no
supporting documents.
Mr. Ivan Rosario answered that for the Presidents Ball, the RM8,000.00, the Organizing Committee
had to disperse the amount by cash, because there were certain amounts that was to be dispersed to
the waiters, servers, bartenders, cleaners, stand-up comedians. These were all documented in our
minutes; these amounts had to be taken out by cash, so were documented in our minutes in our GC
minutes. Yes, it was all signed individually.

Mr. James Monteiro added they were very fair questions and that he totally agreed with Mr. Timothy
Robless. Infact, in one of the GC meetings after Mr. Robless had left, he raised that the process
should have been better. We all agreed, but due to the timing when we had to make the payments,
we did it, but agreed with Mr. Robless that it should have been better processed, but he assured Mr.
Robless that all the cash that was paid out was signed by the individual who received it.

Mr. Timothy Robless said that for the next General Committee, could he request for stricter internal
control to be put in place for it, for the financial claims process.

Mr. James Monteiro replied that he agreed with that, in fact he had already raised it at the GC
meeting and thanked Mr. Robless for his time.

President Sheila added that the GC would make sure that the Incoming committee would look into
that and thank Mr. Timothy Robless.

Mr. James Monteiro informed the House that the next item was for the election of Office Bearers and
all the present committee members had to step down.

Mr. Stanley Augustin was elected was elected the Election Chairman, proposed by Ms Rita E. Pinto
and seconded by Mr. Jude Singho.

Mr. Stanley C. Augustin: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for nominating me. Can we
have scrutinisers and volunteers?

20

Mr. Balaraman, Mr. Yap Tee Loy and Mr Alex Liew volunteered. Mr. Augustin said that he had been
informed that as of 11.00am, there were 67 people entitled to vote, 15 supplementary members and
11 Associate members.

The following were elected as the members of the General Committee for period 2013 to 2015.

President:

Ms Sheila E. De Costa

Proposed by Mr. Derek Surin

Seconded by Mr. L.L. Armstrong

Deputy President:

Mr. James P. Monteiro

Proposed by Mr. Joe De Costa

Seconded by Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

For the position of two Vice Presidents, there were three names proposed. Mr. Darren G. Duarte, Mr.
Gerald M. Lee and Mr J. Ivan Rosario. A vote a taken and the result were as follows: Mr. Darren G.
Duarte received (54 votes), Mr. Gerald M. Lee received (41 votes) and Mr. J. Ivan Rosario received
(32 votes)

First Vice-President:

Mr. Darren G. Duarte

Proposed by Mr. Cooper Sta Maria

Seconded by Ms Yvette Ash

Second Vice-President: Mr. Gerald M. Lee

Proposed by Ms Julia Nicholas

Seconded by Mr. Joe De Costa

Hon. Gen. Secretary:

Mr. Joseph de Souza

Proposed by Ms Rita E. Pinto

Seconded by Mr. Patrick Nunis

Hon. Treasurer:

Ms Joan M. Marbeck

Proposed by Mr. Joe De Costa

Seconded by Mrs.Yvonne Wambeck

Chairman Sports and

Mr. Eugene W. Anthony

Proposed by Mr. Julia Nicholas

Recreation:
Chairperson Ladies

Seconded by Ms. Maggie De Costa

Mrs. Maureen Sibert

Proposed by Mrs.Yvonne Wambeck

Section:

Chairman Youth

Seconded by Mr. Joe De Costa

Mr. Arnold Monteiro

Proposed by Mr. Patrick Nunis

Section:

Chairperson Senior

Seconded by Mrs.Yvonne Wambeck

Ms Elaine Especkerman

Proposed by Ms. Maggie De Costa

Citizens:

Seconded by Mr. Patrick Nunis

21

Four Committee Members elected:

Mr. Hilary C. Gomes

Proposed by Mrs. Maureen Sibert

Seconded by Ms. Rita Pinto

Ms. Suzanne Lazaroo

Proposed by Ms.Sheila E. De Costa

Seconded by Ms. Maggie De Costa

Ms. Julia Nicholas

Proposed by Ms Sheila E. De Costa

Seconded by Mr. Joe De Costa

Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

Proposed by Mr. James P. Monteiro

Seconded by Mr. Darren G. Duarte

Item 6: To elect two (2) Internal Auditors in accordance with Rule 21 (a) of the Constitution
Mr. L.J. Sta Maria was proposed by Mr. James P. Monteiro and seconded by Mr. Ivan Rosario and
Mr. Timothy D. Robless was proposed by Mr. Darren G. Duarte and seconded by Mr. Gerald M. Lee
Item 7: To appoint External Auditors for the year 2013
Datuk Nick Peterson proposed that the Association retain the services of the previous Auditors from
PKF (Chartered Accountants) duly seconded by Mr. Stanley C. Augustin.
Item 8. To consider and approve an Honoraria for the Honorary General Secretary and
Honorary Treasurer for the year 2012.
Mr. Joe De Costa proposed that the incoming General Committee of the Association be vested with
the authority to decide on the question of Honoraria for the Honorary General Secretary and the Hon.
Treasurer. It was seconded by Mr. E. A. Theseira.
Item 9 of the Agenda: To consider any other any other business of which due written notice
had been given to the Hon. General Secretary, seven (7) days before the date of the Annual
General Meeting in accordance to rule 14(f) of the Constitution.
As there was no letter received, there was no discussion.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1.30pm with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

...................................................

....................................................

SHEILA E. DE COSTA

JOSEPH DE SOUZA

PRESIDENT SAFTEA

HON. GENERAL SECRETARY

22

Report on SAFTEAs Land: PN9390, Lot No. 348, Seksyen 96, Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Daerah
Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Wilayah Persekutuan KL ("Land") .
Sheila De Costa
rd

The 23 of October 2013 was a momentous day for SAFTEA. We became the proud owners of a
piece of real estate at Jalan Bangsar Utama 8, Kuala Lumpur.
rd

Obtaining the land was hard fought. Under the terms of the settlement dated the 23 October 2013
made between UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) and the Government of Malaysia (GOM), the land at
167, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur was to be surrendered on the same day that UDA gave possession
and the title deed to the Bangsar Utama Land. In exchange, UDA also gave a sum of RM 1000.00 as
full and final settlement. UDA also agreed to absorb the 2013 quit rent and assessment on the land
(about RM1500 for the last quarter of 2013).

Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, UDA was to get its existing tenant to vacate and the land and
to let SAFTEA have the structure on the land intact. (UDAs tenant utilised the land for a restaurant).
However, a day before the exchange of vacant possession, SAFTEAs lawyers informed us that
UDAs tenant had removed the roof of the structure on the said land.

Upon advice by our lawyers, SAFTEA decided to go ahead with the exchange, as the rationale was to
obtain possession of the land and title deed (which was valuable) rather than argue about a
temporary structure.

After the exchange of the land and vacating of 167, Jalan Pudu, which was witnessed by about 100
members and well wishes, we, the GC, I and a score of members proceeded to go and take
possession of SAFTEAs land. We were surprised to see that the UDAs tenant had all but destroyed
the temporary structure on the land. UDA had constructed hoarding all around the land and had
employed a guard to look after the premises but the guard stated that he had allowed UDAs tenant
into the Land as he (the tenant stated that that he owned the structures on the land) was to remove
what belonged to him.

Many considerations were taken into account on how best to utilise the land: that to employ guards at
24 hours a day to guard the premises at would cost RM8,000.00 to RM10,000.00 per month. This
was to prevent further vandalising of the land. We had 3 separate entities looking to rent the land. In
the end, we accepted the offer from Anandur Impex Sdn Bhd because they were willing to take the
land on a as is where is basis immediately at a rental of RM10,000.00 per month and to obtain all
permits and approvals for building and construct a structure on the land. For this a rebate of
RM2,000.00 per month for 18 months given by SAFTEA to our tenant. The tenancy is for a period of
2 years with 1 additional year for extension. The period is so that SAFTEA can earn income as well

23

as in the meanwhile decide how best to proceed with the next course of action i.e. whether to build a
clubhouse on the land or other options.
st

As at 31 December 2013, SAFTEA is still awaiting the consent from the state authorities to transfer
the land to SAFTEA.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT REPORT YEAR-ENDING 2013

Darren G. Duarte

The year 2013 was a challenging and eventful year for our Association with the fate of our clubhouse
and the new promised land at stake. In the end, we achieved what we had set out to accomplish: a
piece of land was given to the Association. Its not the best of choices; nonetheless, it is a tangible
property that we can now say belongs to us.

It was still an eventful year with our Family Lunches seeing a good turnout. We held Family Lunches
at our dear clubhouse from January till August 2013, with a break for two months, as we were busy
shifting and getting reorganized. The Family Lunches resumed again from November onwards at the
Royal Commonwealth Society Ballroom. I would like to thank SAFTEA members and friends for their
continued support towards our Family Lunches. During the August Family Lunch, we held Joseph De
Souzas (Uncle Boni) farewell party. I would like to thank Uncle Boni for his services to our
Association and his assistance to me in the General Committee. A big shout-out to Maureen Sibert
and her team too for the success of our Family Lunches.
The Seniors Hi Tea was held monthly from February to September. We had good crowd support for
that event too. However, after losing our clubhouse, we didnt organize any more Seniors Hi Teas, as
the numbers would not justify doing so, and we required a smaller venue. A big thank you to Elaine
Especkerman and her team for organizing the Seniors Hi Tea.

The 2013 AGM was held on the 9th of June. We saw newer faces in the General Committee. The day
ended with a live band performance.

We organized a youth event called The Youth Expression, from April to June. It was a music
competition that showcased many good talents. The event was well-received with support from the
participants fans and members of the Association. I would like to thank Datuk Nick Peterson and the
Education Committee for supporting this event. I would also like to thank Arnold Monteiro and his
team for organizing a successful youth event.

Another big event that was organized at our clubhouse was the Last Hurrah. This event, which was
organized on 28th of September 2013, was supported by the Publicity co-chairs, the Ladies, Youth

24

and the Senior Chairs for overall arrangements for the event. This included liaising and confirmation
of performances, sourcing lucky draw gifts and decorations. Arrangements were also made to invite
members of the media, and this included liaising with the media and arranging for interviews before,
during and after the event. Articles appeared in The Star and the New Straits Times. A radio interview
on BFM was also conducted with the President. A special thank you to Willie Nunis for his assistance
during this event.

Our Christmas Cheer and New Years Eve celebrations were held at the Royal Commonwealth
Societys Clubhouse and Simply Mels respectively. A special thank you to Yap Tee Loy for his
assistance and support for all our Associations events. Salud to all members and friends of SAFTEA
for supporting our events and causes.

Thank you and God bless all of you.

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT & ACT HON GEN SEC Report FY 2013
Gerald M Lee

When I was elected by the Members as one of the VPs, I was honoured to work alongside the
President and General Committee (GC).

I got involved in several parts of the operations and contributed where I could. We expressed
ourselves freely while maintaining focus on the job and our objectives.

I enjoyed the cooperation and support of the GC and more often than not, I was impressed by their
sincere desire to surmount their challenges. Our President sets the direction, agrees on goals and
creates a cohesive working environment for the GC to function and perform at the fullest. Believe me,
its no easy task, but together we get it done, leaving aside differences.

In July, our President looked at me and said, Gerald you surely can take on a little more. I agreed,
and took on the Acting Honorary General Secretary duties as well as a seat on the Education
Committee. I am supported by Derek Surin, the man with wide knowledge of the operations of
SAFTEA. Thank you, Derek.

Our President Sheila, has very kindly allowed SAFTEA to use part of her office in Kajang as the
SAFTEA nerve centre, right after we left 167 Jalan Pudu. Now and then you will find me there
working with her able secretary, Mary.

Our relocation from 167, Jalan Pudu to Kajang came with many challenges. All files were packed and
moved to Kajang together with a lot of other SAFTEA properties. Looking for papers and past

25

correspondence took more time and effort than expected, and as a consequence, some tasks were
delayed. We thank you for bearing with us.

Our monthly functions, Family Lunches and others are now held at the Commonwealth Association
Facilities at Damansara Heights. We also have the use of The Hangover Bistro facilities in Sec 19,
Petaling Jaya, as of recently. Our two Ladies, Maureen and Elaine are doing very well with their
respective functions cheers.

I take this opportunity to thank the Members for their support and our President and the General
Committee for their commitment and supporting my endeavours. I do enjoy being a member of the
team and I look forward to a great 2014.

HONORARY TREASURERS REPORT 2013

Joan Margaret Marbeck
At SAFTEAs 2013 AGM, I volunteered to be the Honorary Treasurer, despite never having held this
position before, because many declined and I felt that someone had to step up to fill the crucial role.

Our Association had not only to check the ledgers and close the Accounts of 2013 but to relinquish
our dear clubhouse at 167 Jalan Pudu, with its belongings, staff and memories. A lot of hard work and
cooperation was put in by the President, General Committee and staff. Part of our Heritage Museum
is now exhibited in the Eurasian Community Museum in Jalan Kota, Melaka with the express
permission granted by the Malacca Museums Cooperation. Most of our important documents, office
equipment etc. are stored at the Presidents Office in Jalan Kenari, Kajang.

Just as a reminder to those who have pledged donation/s that await fulfilment, please write your
cheque to SAFTEA. We are more than pleased to receive it with gratitude. For easy reference, the
outstanding list is at SAFTEA office.

The year 2013 ended on a positive note; we won a plot of land in Bangsar. Our President Sheila De
Costa and her husband Mr. T J Su have to be congratulated and appreciated for the long hours spent
on preparing our case to reach a successful conclusive verdict at the Makhamah in August 2013. My
personal thanks to Sheila, who has been my guiding light and source of encouragement and
assistance in my self- appointed position as Treasurer. Mutu grandi merseh, Sheila.

I leave you now to examine the Accounts of 2013, as prepared by our External Accountants and
certified by our Internal and External Auditors.

26

SAFTEA EDUCATION FUND COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 2013

Datuk Nick Peterson

The SAFTEA Education Committee continued to administer and manage the Education Fund during
2013. The Committee consists of the following:

Datuk Nick Peterson:

Chairman and Fund Raising Coordinator.

Mr. Leslie Armstrong:

Vice Chairman and Treasurer.

Mrs. Vivienne Edmonds:

Committee Member and Secretary.

Ms. Adeline Louis:

Committee Member and High Achiever Award Coordinator.

Mrs. Jean Monteiro:

Committee Member and Terms of Reference Coordinator.

Mr. Stewart Edmonds:

Committee Member and Loans and Assistance Coordinator.

Mr. Gerald M Lee:

Committee Member and General Committee Rep - From 2014.

The Education Committee Members were very sad at the loss of our General Committee
Representative for 2012 and 2013, Mr. Edward Joseph, who passed away in March 2013. Edward
Joseph was a diligent Committee Member, who always participated actively at our meetings.
For 2013, the Committee held a total of six (6) meetings and implemented the following:

The Annual High Achiever Award for the 2013 for scholastic achievement in the year 2012.
Besides recipients from SAFTEA, the High Achiever Award was open to the other
Portuguese/ Eurasian Associations.

The monitoring of the Terms of Reference for the De Costa-Su Scholarship, for the award of
the second payment to Miss Melissa Ashley Johnson, who is completing her third year at the
University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, pursuing a BA Hons in International Relations
with Spanish.

Scholastic assistance for the daughter of our SAFTEA GC Member, who passed away in May
2013; she was sitting for her Form 5 SPM Exam at the end of 2013.

The recipients for the High Achievers Award for 2013 were:

Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association

Robert Bruce Jalleh

IGCSE 8A High Achiever Award and Leadership Award

Celeste Rebecca Gomez

SPM 6A Motivation Award

Alaynna Jean Sta Maria

PMR 6A High Achiever Award

Elyssa D Especkerman

PMR 7A High Achiever Award

Perak Portuguese Eurasian Association

Eric Joseph Pereira

SPM 10A High Achiever Award

Jonathan D'Oliveiro

PMR 7A High Achiever Award

27

Penang Eurasian Association

Desiree Anne Gasper

SPM 9A High Achiever Award

Malacca Portuguese Eurasian Association

Angela Joan Nathan

SPM 7A High Achiever Award

Simeon Paulus Nonis

PMR 7A High Achiever Award

Jeremy Jason Yong

PMR 6A High Achiever Award

Marianne Michelle Yong

UPSR 5A High Achiever Award

Negeri Sembilan Portuguese Eurasian Association

Caitlin Eleanor Siebel

UPSR 5A High Achiever Award

The details of the Education Fund are as shown in the SAFTEA Reports and Financial Statements for
the Financial Year Ended 31 December 2013

The SAFTEA Education Committee takes this opportunity to thank SAFTEA President Madam Sheila
De Costa, and the General Committee Members for all their support and assistance during 2013.
We also thank all our donors and supporters who have contributed so generously to the Education
Fund each and every year.

LADIES CHAIRPERSON REPORT

Maureen Sibert

The Ladies Committee started 2013 with our monthly Family Lunch in January. These lunches were
held every last Sunday of the month at our clubhouse in Jalan Pudu, until we had to vacate in
October.

We managed to find an alternative venue at the Royal Commonwealth Society in Damansara

Heights, Kuala Lumpur, and have been holding our lunches there since November 2013. Response
to the lunches has been good and I believe everyone is slowly but surely getting used to the idea of
meeting up at a different venue, until we get a new clubhouse.

My heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who helped out this past year. Boni, Willie Nunis, Yap Tee
Loy, Alex Liew, Derek Surin and Edwin Gasper, you made my load a lot lighter. To my Ladies
Committee members, namely Elaine Especkerman, Mary Nunis, Yvette Ash and others, a big thank
you for all your help. I must also mention all those who donated prizes for the Raffles Draws. These
are Dato' Lawrence Lim, who has never failed to contribute prizes every month for the last few years,
Madam President Sheila De Costa, James Monteiro, Gerald Lee and Darren Duarte.

28

The lunches would not have gone so well without good dance music and for this I must thank all the
bands that provided the music especially, Winds of Change, Stairway and Crystal Notes. In closing, I
would like to thank all those who attended the lunches every month come rain or shine. Belinda
McRoy and Anne Tan, you did a great job bringing in the crowd. God Bless each and every one of
you and your families.

SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE REPORT

Elaine Especkerman

Committee Members:

John and Nancy De Souza

Yap Tee Loy

Mary and Willie Nunis

Siva and Lydia Sailem

Belinda and Arul McRoy

Maureen Sibert

Hilary Gomes

Ronnie Ambrose

Our last monthly Hi Tea, Christmas Cheer, was held on December 16, 2013. We saw a good turn-out
of members and friends. My grateful thanks to the following that helped throughout 2013 and
especially at our Christmas Cheer; Sheila De Costa, James Monteiro, Gerald Lee and Darren Duarte
for contributions towards the Raffle Draw.

Denis Doss, our MC for the Christmas Cheer, headed the group caroling and rendered a beautiful
solo number, which set the Christmas mood for the day. Winds of Change, our ever-obliging band
kept guests entertained with their good music. Janice Monteiro-Lewis and her niece Iman produced
posters and backdrops and offered face-painting for the guests. Ronnie Ambrose sportingly took on
the role of Santa at the event. Thanks to all of you!

I greatly appreciated all the help received from Boni De Souza, Willie Nunis, Alex Liew, Edwin Gasper
and Derek Surin throughout 2013. My sincere thanks also go out to Yvette Ash and Mag Nicholas for
always lending a hand at every Senior Citizens function.

To my dear Committee Members, God bless you for your support and help at all SAFTEA events.
Special thanks go to Maureen Sibert and Denis Doss for handling the Raffle Draws for our Christmas
Cheer.

Thanks too, to Mary Nunis, Lydia and Siva Sailem for contributing food at all our Hi Teas.

29

Three Associate members of Saftea have been of great assistance to our Senior Citizens Committee
functions Anne Tan, Belinda McRoy and Yap Tee Loy (Baba Yap). Anne and Belinda make a great
effort to gather members and friends to attend our high teas. Baba Yap is always there to take care of
the door collections. Thank you so much.

Last but not least, a big thank you to all members, your families and friends for your support and
presence at our Senior Citizens functions.

On a sad note, on behalf of the Senior Citizens Committee, I would like to offer our deepest
condolences to Belinda and her family on the passing of Arul McRoy. Arul was a staunch member of
our Senior Citizens Committee. We will all miss you Arul. RIP.

To one and all, I wish you a very blessed and healthy 2014. Take care and God Bless.

SAFTEA: MEMBERSHIP REPORT

(FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 2013 MAY 2014)
Iris De Souza

All members are Life Members of the Association since 2011. They are segregated by these
categories:
1.

Life Members Ordinary (Eurasians)

2.

Life Members Associate (non-Eurasians)

There is also another category: Life Members Honorary. Members who are under this category are
only 20 persons and 3 priests (total: 23).

From the data that I received since my appointment to this portfolio, my priority was to put in order the
membership roll. Here are the findings:

(1)
Current status of membership:

705

Life Members Ordinary:

647

Life Members Associate:

35

Life Members Honorary:

23

Deaths recorded during this period:

Gordon Cuthbert Edmonds 16th July 2013

Getrude De Silva 19th July 2013

30

One new member was admitted into the Association:

Cheryl Kimberly Monteiro (M/040/LM)

(2)
Breakdown by gender:

Male

Female

Total

Life Members Ordinary:

367

213

580

Life Members Associate:

30

35

Life Members Honorary:

10

13

23

------

------

------

407

231

638

There are 67 members not accounted for ie. Membership numbers were issued but no member
details were recorded. The exercise to locate details of these membership numbers were hindered
given access to files where application forms / correspondence are kept is limited in view of the
closure of last clubhouse.

(3)
From the total members of 705 persons, 437 members have not been in contact with the club for the
last 2 years, leaving only 268 active members. However, the total collected from annual subscriptions
does not match these numbers of active members as to-date weve only collected from 75 members.

(4)
Though the Association is not relying only through subscriptions to operate, it is crucial to note the
urgency in increasing members, particularly of the younger Eurasians. From June 2014 till the end of
the current General Committees term, here are my some of my plans:

To get and approve membership applications of young Eurasians through any Youth-specific
events that will be planned.

To run a Reconnection exercise for the 430+ members who have not been in contact with
the club for at least 2 years.

To propose a review of Entrance Fee for new applications, for a limited time, at the 2014
AGM. Current Entrance fee for Eurasians is RM500 (to be admitted as Life Member
Ordinary) and Non-Eurasians is RM1000 (to be admitted as Life Member Associate).

To move members from receiving the Associations news via post to SMS and email.

In the same vein, the GC also requests the help of members to reach out to their friends and relatives
to get them to re-connect with the Association. 437 members not in contact is 437 Eurasians lost,
and all we need is their mobile number that is reachable.

31

REPORT ON THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS OF 167, JALAN PUDU

Derek Surin

The packing first started when we were handed an eviction notice in April 2012; we were advised to
save important documents. These were of course the membership files and other documents relating
to the Formation of the Eurasian Union and later THE SELANGOR EURASIAN ASSOCIATION and
other historical documents of importance.

A total of seven large boxes were filled and labeled and for want of storage space, the President
graciously compromised her comfort zone and allowed the boxes to be stored in her office
conference room at Kajang.

When the final order to move came in September 2013, the biggest headache was to separate the
hoardings from the essential. The library books were offered for sale and former President Datuk Nick
Peterson came to our assistance and salvaged what he could; the rest of the books were donated to
the Myanmar Christian Church and Kindergarten.

We had to deal not only with 60 years of hoarding but years of accumulated dust. With the help of
Willie Nunis, Edwin Gasper and 6 Myanmar workers, we set to work. We started from the main
storeroom, then the billiards room, two smaller storerooms and finally the office. The steel cabinets
held such treasures, like mementos meant for past Presidents that were never given and meritorious
awards printed on really expensive Conquerer paper, complete with a gold bow.

Pity, that in order to empty these really heavy cabinets, we had to force open the doors. After almost
20 days of packing and moving, the last disposable item we had was the roof of the clubhouse. For
this we had an offer of RM8,000.00, while the air-conditioners were sold for RM4,800.00 despite the
fact that 5 condensers were missing or dysfunctional over the last few years.
The GC decided to save just one item of the clubs history and that was the billiard table, on which
Malaysias 3-ball and 4-ball champion, Lee Thye Hong, had once played. The game of skittles was
what attracted so many Associate Members to join SEA and later SAFTEA. Our tables and chairs are
under the care of Maurice Dragon and bar stools and bar tables, some music equipment and any
boxes of documents are all stored away in Kajang. Our Heritage exhibits have ended up in a
Community Museum in Malacca and all the memories are safely tucked away.

32

PUBLICITY SECTION
Janice Monteiro-Lewis & Suzanne Lazaroo
SAFTEAs Publicity portfolio is co-chaired by Suzanne Lazaroo and Janice Monteiro-Lewis.

Activity-wise, this report concerns:

1.

The Berita newsletter

The co-chairs determined that the publication of the Berita would be alternately spear-headed
by each, so as to divide the workload. The 2013 issue 1, Jan-Sept was handled by Suzanne,
with 500 copies printed and the newsletter released in November 2013. Artwork and printing
cost RM1950, payable to CrossMedia, with Anne Tan as liaison. The second issue of the
Berita was handled by Janice, and published in June 2014.

2.

SAFTEAs Facebook page

Set up in mid-2013 and maintained by Suzanne, the Saft Eurasian Association page is used
to disseminate announcements on association activities and other information.

3.

The Last Hurrah

This event, which was organised on 28 September 2013 was headed by Darren G. Duarte
and supported by the Publicity co-chairs for overall arrangements for the event. This included
liaising and confirmation of performances, lucky draw gifts and decorations. Arrangements
were also made to invite members of the media, which included media liaison and arranging
for interviews before, during and after the event. Articles appeared in the Star and the New
Straits Times. A radio interview on BFM was also conducted with the President.

'Donate a Square Foot' forms were also designed and circulated during the event.

4.

Publicity & PR Support

Apart from the above Publicity & PR also rendered support for other events and functions,
which were held at the Royal Commonwealth Club and Simply Mel's after the closure of the
Clubhouse in Jalan Pudu.

Two generic banners were designed and produced for use at all SAFTEA functions
after the clubhouse closed down. The objective of producing the banners was to create
a brand identity for SAFTEA when organising activities at other venues.

Christmas Cheer: assisted with production of posters, decorations, garnered

sponsorship for party packs and face-painting for members and guests.

Assisted in terms of decorations and support during Family Lunches held at the Royal
Commonwealth Club.

33

th

YOUTH EXPRESSION REPORT (APRIL 8 JUNE 22

nd

2013 @ SAFTEA Clubhouse)

Cheryl Kimberly Monteiro and Arnold Monteiro

BACKGROUND
There has been a noticeable decline in youths participating in SAFTEA activities and events, and
there is growing concern from the committee re this current trend. A possible reason could be that the
youths find a lack of appealing and relevant events.

OBJECTIVE
With the above in mind, the Youth Expression event was created, with the aim of attracting Eurasian
youths to participate and to showcase their musical and vocal talents.

EVENT CONCEPT
Youth Expression is a music competition for youths from the ages of 16-30, where they competed in 5
weeks of preliminary rounds. Each week featured 5-6 contestants (Solo/Band); at the end of each
nd

round a winner from each group qualified for the Finals on Week 6 (June 22 ).

Winners from each week were chosen by a combination of votes from a judging panel (50%) and
audience votes (50%). The audience voted with coupons which were redeemable for drinks. Each
coupon is worth RM10.00.

The finals were held on 22 June 2013, with 5 finalists. The winner was entitled to RM500.00 in cash
and a recording contract for a single, subject to the approval of the recording company (courtesy of
Interglobal). The first runner-up won RM300.00 in cash and the second runner-up won RM200.00 in
cash. Consolation winners received RM100.00 each. Each week also featured 1 guest band.

EVENT
i)

Contestants
There was a total of 17 performances and 5 guest bands over the 5 weeks. 5 finalists and 1
guest band performed at the finale.

ii)

Patrons
Over the 5 weeks we had an average of 80 to 100 patrons. And at the finale (Week 6) there
was an average of 180 patrons.

iii)

Net Profit:
The event netted a small profit, but reaped a lot of goodwill and awareness among the youth.

CONCLUSION
Overall, the event received positive response for a debut. We would like to thank the sponsors,
volunteers, the organizing committee and everyone who supported the event.

34

FOOD AND BEVERAGE ANNUAL REPORT (JULY-OCTOBER 2013 @ SAFTEA Clubhouse)

Arnold Monteiro

I took over the responsibility as F&B chairman from July 2013 till Oct 2013. The SAFTEA bar was
being run at a very low capacity and changes were made to improve income from the bar. These
changes included increasing the sales of beer, and stocking different types of alcohol and soft drinks.

Lowering the price of the beers helped increase sales volume, as did the inclusion of other types of
alcohol on the menu. Soft drinks that were made available at all times also contributed to the increase
in profit. Mineral water was put on sale so as to stop the consumption of free water, which did help
tremendously in the increase of sales.
The Friday Members Night sales saw a great improvement of sales/ profit due to this availability of
various kinds of beverages. The increase in revenue of The Sunday Family Lunch was largely due to
the sales of the bottled water and other beverages.

Unfortunately, the clubhouse ceased operations in October 2013, but I am happy to say within that
short period of time we managed to make a small impact on our income.

HON. GEN. SECRETARY REPORT (FOR 1.1.13 31.7.13)

Joseph De Souza

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your General Committee takes pleasure is presenting the Annual Report (for period January to May
st

2013) together with the audited accounts of the Association for the year ended 31 December 2013.

General Committee

Meetings attendance

President

Ms. Sheila E. De Costa

Deputy President

Mr. James P. Monteiro

First Vice-President

Mr. Edward Joseph

nil

(Mr. Darren Duarte)

Second Vice-President

Mr. Derek M. Surin

Hon. General Secretary

Mr. Joseph de Souza

Hon. Treasurer

Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

Chairperson Ladies Section

Mrs. Maureen Sibert

Chairperson Senior Citizens

Ms. Elaine Especkerman

Chairman F&B and Socials

Mr. Cyril P. Anthony

Committee Member

Mr. Yap Tee Loy

35

For the term under review, the General Committee had six meetings and the attendances of the
meetings were less than satisfactory as most of the times, the meetings did not have a full quorum.
The First Vice-President, Mr. Edward Joseph, who had a second heart attack and was hospitalized,
th

passed away on 4 May 2013 and his position was taken over by Mr. Darren Duarte. Mr. Derek Surin
had a stroke in the month of February 2013 and recuperated in Malacca. The Bar Chairman, Mr. Cyril
Anthony, was on the sick list and attended meetings now and again.
CHAIRPERSON LADIES SECTION Mrs. Maureen Sibert
The Ladies Chairperson reported that for the past six Months, the attendance at the Sunday Family
Lunch recorded good attendances (about 110 members and friends). Members and their friends
enjoyed themselves at the last Sunday of the month gatherings and complimented the attractive
spread of food for the occasions. Most of the time, there were two live bands who entertained the
member to song and dances.
CHAIRPERSON FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS Ms. Elaine Especkerman
The Chairperson for the Senior Citizens organized the Hi Tea function at the clubhouse on the
second Sunday of each month. Attendances at the Hi Teas were just about 60 to 70 members and
friends. Most of them attended the party for the good spread of tea cakes and fried mee etc., for the
live music supplied by the bands and for the opportunity to exhibit their dancing skills.

36

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The General Committee wishes to record its appreciation and sincere thanks to:
1.

The Chairpersons and members of the various sub-committees for their dedicated services
rendered willingly and with a smile.

2.

The many members who rendered invaluable assistance in connection with the Social
Functions and activities of the Association.

3.

The Games Convenors and their respective committees, in helping to run the various Sports
of the Association during the year.

4.

Those members who donated generously towards the various appeals for the welfare and
development of the Association.

5.

The Press, the TV and Radio Stations, for publicity given to the Associations activities and
functions.

6.

The numerous Companies and the Foundation which have supported our functions.

For and on behalf of the General Committee,

Gerald M. Lee
Second Vice President &
Acting Honorary General Secretary

37