SAFTEA's 92nd

Annual General Meeting

12th July 2015

Annual Report 2014

www.saftea.blogspot.com

Date: 20 June 2015

To: All members of the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association.

92nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SELANGOR AND FEDERAL TERRITORY EURASIAN
ASSOCIATION (SAFTEA)

Notice is hereby given that the 92nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) of the Selangor
And Federal Territory Eurasian Association will be held as follows :-

Date: Sunday, 12th July 2015
Time: 10.30am 2.30pm
Place: SAFTEA Club House,
Duta Vista Suites,
1, Persiaran Ledang (Off Jalan Duta), Taman Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur .

ORDINARY BUSINESS:
1.

Welcome address by the President.

2.

To confirm the minutes of the 91st AGM of SAFTEA held on 9th November 2014.

3.

To confirm and adopt the Annual General Report for the year ending 31st Dec 2014.

4.

To confirm and adopt the Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st Dec 2014.

SPECIAL BUSINESS:
1.

Briefing on SAFTEAs Land and future plans.

ELECTION:
2.

In accordance with Rule 17(a) & (b) of the Constitution, to elect the office-bearers for the year
2015 2017.
(i)

A President

(ii)

A Deputy President

(iii)

Two(2) Vice Presidents

(iv)

An Honorary General Secretary

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(v)

An Honorary Treasurer

(vi)

Chairperson Ladies Section

(vii)

Chairman Youth Section

(viii)

Chairman Senior Citizens

(ix)

Seven(7) other Members of the General Committee

In accordance with Rule 17(b)

3. To elect two (2) Internal Auditors in accordance to Rule 21(a) of the Constitution
4. To appoint External Auditors for year 2015
5. To consider and approve an Honoraria for the Honorary General Secretary and Honorary
Treasurer for the year 2015
6. To consider any other business of which due written notice had been given to the Hon.
General Secretary, five(7) days before the date of the Annual General Meeting in accordance
to Rule 14(f) of the Constitution.

Attention: Please take note of the following:-

Rule 10(d) A 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 accepted & 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
reach the Acting Honorary General Secretary by the 5th of July, 2015, pursuant to Clause 14(f).

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 30 June 2015. All members are
in any one of these categories :

2.

Life Member Senior Citizen

Life Member Ordinary

Life Member Associate (no voting rights)

A member who shall be entitled to attend :

2

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 2014/5 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

By order of the General Committee,

Gerald M. Lee
Second Vice President &
Acting Honorary General Secretary
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QUESTION FORM - SAFTEA AGM July 2015

Date : / /

Members,

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 us by 5th July 2015. 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) (Membership No.)

Question :

Question :

Question
:

Kindly
make copies if insufficient


ANNUAL

REPORT FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Your General Committee takes pleasure in presenting the Annual Report for the period under review,
together with the audited accounts for the year ended 31st December 2014.

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Meeting attendance

Ms. Sheila E. De Costa

12/12

Mr. Darren G. Duarte

Mr. Gerald M. Lee

10/12

Acting Hon. General Secretary Mr. Gerald M Lee

10/12

Hon. Treasurer

Ms. Joan Marbeck

Chairperson, Ladies Section

Mrs. Maureen Sibert

10/12

Chairperson, Senior Citizens

Ms. Elaine Especkerman

10/12

Chairman, F&B and Youth

Mr. Arnold Monteiro

12/12

Membership

10/12

President

Vice-President - First

Vice-President - Second

9/12

8/12

Ms. Iris De Souza

PR and Publicity

Ms. Janice Monteiro-Lewis & Suzanne Lazaroo 8/12, 6/12

Sports & Recreation

Mr. Eugene William

3/12

Committee Member

Mr. J. Ivan Rosario

6/12

Committee Member
(Associate)

Mr. Yap Tee Loy

12/12

Committee Member

Ms. Julia Nicholas

---

Committee Member
(Associate)

Mr. Balaramankani

6/8

In the second year of her Second Term, our President guided the General Committee to make best of
what we have, improvise and compromise, in our drive to serve the Members. As far as possible,
functions should be held and members were encouraged to involve themselves and participate in
functions and friendly competitions. The GC gave their best and performed to the fullest, working
cohesively towards our goals.

Each member of the GC put in significant effort to achieve the goals set by the President. Team effort
was clearly demonstrated and quite visible at many functions, while always keeping in mind that our
role was to serve the needs and aspirations of the Members at large.
President Sheila De Costa, 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 and recently at the Royal Selangor Club,
Kiara Annex.

We take this opportunity to thank all Members for supporting the endeavours of the General
Committee.

Gerald M Lee
Second Vice President &
Acting Honorary General Secretary

ATTENDANCE and MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SELANGOR AND FEDERAL
TERRITORY EURASIAN ASSOCIATION

Date: 9th November, 2014
Time: 10am
Place: Royal Commonwealth Society, KL

ATTENDANCE

ORDINARY MEMBERS (ELIGIBLE TO VOTE)

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS (NON-ELIGIBLE TO VOTE)

M/039/LM

Mr. Arnold Ignatius Monteiro

Y/002/A/LM

Mr. Yap Tee Loy

E/012/LM

Ms Maureen Antoinette Especkerman

L/038/A/LM

Dato Lawrence Lim Chong Leng

A/020/LM

Ms Yvette Cecilia Ash

L/004/A/LM

Mr. Alex Liew Kim Tong

R/002/LM

Mr. Jeffary Ivan Rosario

B/003/A/LM

Mr. Balaraman a/l Kani

D/003/LM

Mr. John De Souza

T/021/A/LM

Ms Anne Tan

D/002/LM

Mr. Joseph De Souza

S/056/A/LM

Mr. Su Tiang Joo

C/022/LM

Ms. Rose Anna Carter

S/038/A/LM

Mr. Richard A. Stevenson

P/003/LM

Mr. Donald Charles Pereira

D/061/LM

Mr. Darren Geraldo Duarte

10

B/025/LM

Ms Alice Bibinia Bain

OBSERVERS

11

M/016/LM

Mr. Joseph Benedict Magness

Mr Manohar

12

A/006/LM

Mr. Leo Leslie Armstrong

Mrs Susan Danker

13

D/014/LM

Mr. Cornelius Joe De Costa

Mr Ronny Sivasailam

14

D/028/LM

Ms Sheila E. De Costa

Ms Lilian De Costa

15

L/035/LM

Mr. Gerald Mahendran Lee

Mrs Nancy De Souza

16

A/005/LM

Mr. Stanley C. Augustin

Mr Salmon

17

G/025/LM

Ms Lidia Maria Gomes

18

D/084/LM

Mrs. Shirley De Costa

19

S/089/LM

Mr. Sean Su Wei Jiang

20

G/016/LM

Mr. Carl Francis Goonting

21

M/005/LM

Ms Joan M. Marbeck

22

D/087/LM

Mr. Paul David Danker

23

B/023/LM

Ms Eloner Brohier

24

A/015/LM

Mr. Herman Anthony

25

P/035/LM

Mr. Cyril Valentine Pereira

26

D/006/LM

Ms Joanne De Souza

27

D/057/LM

Ms Iris De Souza

28

L/016/LM

Ms Adeline Frances Louis

29

G/007/LM

Mr. Hilary Charles Gomes

30

P/031/LM

Datin Ann Peterson


31

W/015/LM

Mr Eugene Anthony William

32

P/011/LM

Ms Rita Elsie Pinto

33

N/023/LM

Ms Dorothy Newton

34

P/027/LM

Mr Colin Henry Pavee

35

N/014/LM

Ms Julia Marie Nicholas

36

C/007/LM

Ms Patricia Margeret Cox

37

S/017/LM

Mr. V. Jude Singho

38

W/001/SC

Mrs. Yvonne Wambeck

39

X/004/LM

Ms Janet Xavier-Schmid

40

P/012/LM

First Admiral (Rtd) Datuk Nick Peterson

41

L/038/LM

Ms Suzanne Marie Lazaroo

42

A/002/LM

Mr. Denis Armstrong

43

D/055W/LM

Ms Stephanie Pinto

44

L/027/LM

Ms Janice Elaine Monteiro-Lewis

45

E/008/LM

Ms Elaine Especkerman

46

D/086/LM

Ms Maggie De Costa

47

X/002/LM

Mr. Cyril Xavier

Summary Points :
Total attendance is 60 persons.
Spouses = 6
Ordinary = 47
Associate = 7

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SELANGOR AND FEDERAL TERRITORY EURASIAN ASSOCIATION

Date: 9th November, 2014
Time: 10am
Place : Royal Commonwealth Society, KL

OPENING REMARKS, PRELIMINARY BUSINESS

Following his opening of the meeting, Vice President 2 and Honorary Secretary Gerald Lee noted that:-

1. At this Annual General Meeting, red bands have been issued to active SAFTEA members, green bands
to associate members.
2. The Annual Report for the year ending December 2013 was sent out approximately two weeks prior.

REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT OF SAFTEA, SHEILA DE COSTA
Good morning members, it is nice to see a good number of you here this morning and your
attendance means that you are interested in the workings of the Association.
This meeting is also very historic as it is the first time in 60 years that we are having our AGM
somewhere other than at our former clubhouse at 167, Jalan Pudu Kuala Lumpur.
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At the outset, it is regretted that the AGM is held late this year. We had a new firm (CE Corporate
Executives Sdn. Bhd.) to prepare our books for us. Besides, we had moved from 167, Jalan Pudu and
many current documents for 2013 were inadvertently packed away by the staff who were not aware
of the importance of the documents. Time had to be spent to relocate these documents.
The Registrar of Societies has been informed.
Ladies &Gentlemen, 2013 was very eventful. The year began with the usual business and although we
were aware that a settlement of SAFTEAs court case would come within the year under review; when
it actually became a reality it was still a shock; a very pleasant one though.
Ladies and Gentlemen, whilst still at the old clubhouse, the usual functions were held i.e. the family
lunches, the senior citizens hi tea and the Friday members nights. Towards the end of SAFTEAs
tenure at 167 Jalan Pudu, functions were held to near capacity crowds as everyone wanted to come
and have their fill of memories of the clubhouse. There were no fund raising activities in 2013 because
The GC was busy with the packing and seeing to the details of having a secretariat and getting our
administration in order.
We also reconnected with the youth by organising the Youth Expressions in 2013.
I will deal with 8 specific points:
1. AGM 2013.
In June 2013 we had our AGM and it was remarkable that 50% of the General Committee elected were
ladies. We have Joan Marbeck, Hon Treasurer; Maureen Sibert, Ladies Chair; Elaine Especkerman,
Senior Citizens Chair; Iris de Souza-Membership, Janice Lewis & Suzanne Lazaroo, Co-chairpersons for
Public Relations and Publicity, Julia Nicholas, Special projects and yours truly. This is truly a well
balanced group and each brought their gifts and talents to the GC. Gone are the days when the ladies
only sat on the ladies section! We may need a mens section next to cater for the men. I wish to thank
the GC members for their tireless and thankless work for the Association: you know who you are and
we all know how much you do for the community.
2. Resignations of GC members
At the end of July 2013, our Hon General Secretary of 42 years, Mr Joseph De Souza or Boni as he is
fondly known, resigned. It was a difficult period, as there was shifting and packing to do and also to
familiarise ourselves with the work that Boni used to do and where particular documents are kept.
Vice President, Gerald Lee stepped in to do the administration and was duly appointed acting Hon Gen
Secretary. Derek Surin assisted in the day-to-day running of the Association together with Edwin
Gasper and the staff. Subsequently our Deputy President, James Monteiro resigned and so did Hilary
Gomes.
It is regrettable that GC members resigned as there was a lot of work to do. Serving in the GC is not
easy at the best of times but as the saying goes when going gets tough the tough gets going. We
have our disagreements during the meetings but it's always an agreement to disagree. But resigning
mid-term is hard on those remaining. But thank you all the same those who chose to serve for the
long or short term. Any contribution is better than no contribution.
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But to those continuing to serve the work is not going to get easier in the coming months. It is
thankless but serving the community is a mission of love.
3. The settlement of the Court case against UDA and the Government of Malaysia
Thirdly, and most importantly we settled our suit with UDA and the Government of Malaysia and won
a plot of land at Lot 348, Jalan Bangsar Utama 8, Kuala Lumpur. Ladies and Gentlemen, we were not
given the plot of land we fought and won it !SAFTEA chartered 2 buses and about 50 members came
to court on the 27th August 2013 to support the cause .We filled up the whole court room and left no
place for UDAs representatives to sit!
The Deed of Settlement was signed on the 23rd October 2013 but the case was only finally over in
March of 2014. By the conclusion of the case, our lawyers had attended court a total of 22 times. They
and sometimes together with the GC members attended no less than 13 meetings not to mention the
countless telephone calls, ,smses with the opposing counsel and GC members etc.
Then there was the tenancy agreement to draw up and discuss in a way that protected SAFTEAs
interest. There was a trust deed to prepare and sign; application made for consent to transfer the land
to SAFTEA as the land contained a restriction that read as follows that the land cannot be transferred
or charged without the consent of the state authority.
Upon obtaining the consent, we then moved to apply for a waiver of stamp duty from the Lembaga
Hasil Dalam Negeri and the Ministry of Finance (MOF). It is almost impossible to get a waiver of stamp
duty from the MOF but our lawyers prepared a most convincing application and the Attorney General
Chambers also put in a letter of support. We obtained the waiver in June 2014 and thus saved
RM114,000. Imagine if we had to pay it!
Then we had to wait for the stamp office to confirm the waiver and upon securing the confirmation,
the transfer documents for the land to be registered as belonging to SAFTEA was presented for
registration on the 27th October 2014.
Ladies and Gentlemen, they, the lawyers, did all these without asking for any advance .It is a practice
for advance payments to be made before lawyers will even commence any work. Besides some
disbursements, only a nominal retainer of RM1,000.00 have been paid for the court case which inter
alia prevented UDA and its staff from coming onto the Pudu land or even passing through.
We have to pay for the hard work of our lawyers which led to the successful outcome. Towards this
end I have appointed Vice Presidents, Darren Duarte and Gerald Lee together with Ivan Rosario to
negotiate and get the best deal on fees and to work out a repayment schedule.
4. Moving Out of Jalan Pudu
Fourthly, we moved out from 167 Jalan Pudu. Decisions had to be made on what to do with SAFTEAs
movable property and where to store the items.
If we had no clubhouse, we would also have no functions. It was decided that we would carry on with
the Sunday Family Lunch to keep up the flag of SAFTEA flying and that people would know that we are
still around. So we had to look for venues. We settled with having the first Family Lunch in November
10


2013 at the Royal Commonwealth Society. We are still holding our family lunches there (here) up till
today. It is not easy as all the props and decorations will always have to be in someones car and
someone will have to remember to bring it home at the end of the function. It is not possible to hold
the New Years Eve function as yet as it is difficult to get a venue.
The secretariat is now at my office in Kajang until a permanent secretariat is identified. Our initial plan
was to use the BU Land as our secretariat or to rent a small office nearby. However, since there was
no club house, the associations work would be greatly reduced. It was decided that we would use my
office as an initial stop gap measure.
Costs were and are always a matter of concern with SAFTEA and without the bar operations which we
had at the old clubhouse, we would have no income. Paying rental for a secretariat and coming up
with a 2 month deposit for such a new premises would be a major challenge. It is a blessing that we
have a tenant on the land who is paying SAFTEA rental at RM 8,000 per month and thus far we have
collected RM 88,000.00 (8000X11 months) from the tenant. This ensures that Saftea would be able to
meet its commitments and organise functions without a worry.
5. Renting out the Bangsar Utama land
The decision to rent out the Bangsar Utama Land was decided and approved by the GC members and
in coming to our decision we were ever mindful of the fact that to decide on what to do with the BU
Land would take time.
This decision to rent out the Bangsar Utama Land was not taken lightly. And to whom to rent to, was
also of great consideration; some audit was done as to whether the potential tenant would be able to
sustain the rental every month as we would not be in a position to chase for the rental. The current
tenant runs a Nasi Kandar food outlet and he owns quite a few similar businesses in KL. It was not
easy for the tenant either- he was plagued with problems on the BU Land from the start. There were
problems with DBKL as the existing building had no building permit, there were problems with the
water supply to the building as it was cut because the previous occupier owed thousands of ringgit for
the water bill. The Tenant had to settle the previous occupiers bill before he could have his own water
supply.
There were gangs who did not allow the tenant to use the car park around the land. The car park area
forms part of SAFTEAs property. The gangs threatened to cause trouble and there were 2 opposing
gangs who tried to disrupt the tenants quiet enjoyment of the land. It was not for the faint-hearted!
Then this year2014, DBKL served us with a notice to demolish the structure on the land because the
structure had no permit. Our arguments that there was a previous structure there under UDA without
any problems met with no sympathy.
Ladies and Gentleman. Many months have passed and there was a lot to deal with. The tenant had to
deal with the authorities who actually came to demolish part of the structure which were newly re-
constructed. However, finally plans have been signed and have been submitted to DBKL.
6. Membership.
One of the most important assets of the Association, besides our Land is you, our members and our
heritage. Leaders come and go but the loyalty of the members must be to the Association, our small
11


community and our heritage. We fought for years to get our land and now that we have it, it is time
to plan ahead to our 100th Anniversary in 2019.It is a mere 4 years away. Why dont we plan ahead?
Have something state-wide; so big and obvious, that everyone takes notice and remembers that we
are here and have been here and that we are citizens of this country just like everyone else.
So where are our members? If you read the report by our membership Chairman, you will note that
we have only about 268 active members. When Iris took over as Membership Chairman in June 2013
she did an audit and found that the register of members was not in the best of order, especially the
addresses of some members were so old that I wonder whether the houses on those register still
exist. The register has been cleaned up and registered letters have been sent to those that have
defaulted since 2010(the year that the annual subscription payment came into force). Members its
your duty to settle your dues on time.
The GC will deliberate after this AGM what to do with the defaulting members. As we would want to
encourage the admission of new members and perhaps all Eurasians residing in Selangor and FT, we
would like the general bodys approval to reduce the entrance fee to RM 100 instead of the current
RM500/RM1000 for both Eurasian and Associate members. This is because to have a louder voice, we
need to have a large number. We want all Eurasians to be members of the association. There is
strength in numbers, Ladies and Gentlemen. We shall debate this later.
7. Contacting and staying in touch with members
Verbatim reporting of AGM minutes
It was agreed at the past 2 AGMs that the minutes will be paraphrased. We were not able to do it this
year but rest assured that our PR and Publicity Co chairs are already working on the next years Annual
Report. So, come next AGM we will have something new. Yes, ladies?
Sending the AGM annual reports by email. This year we did a test run and found that not all members
have email addresses. To those that we sent emails to, quite a number of emails bounced back. So,
either you have changed email address without informing us or the email address that you gave was
not accurate.
Members, help us to help you so that information can be sent out instantaneously. The Berita is
already in soft copy but hard copies are also sent out. We are looking forward to a time when we do
not have to send out hard copies and only provide a limited number of hard copies. We look forward
to a future where, we shall send out only emails and give a photocopy for those who want hard
copies. However to do this we need your cooperation to let us have your accurate addresses.
SMS Blast
We have a new mode of communication which is the sms blast from Tune Talk. It is a fast, cheap and
easy way to send out news of functions and reminders for functions. The message is typed on the
computer and sent out to all phone numbers on a specially typed list for special target groups. i.e. GC
members, curry lunch for members and regulars and one specially for members.
These are the new modes of communication that we have adopted. We must change with the times.
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8. Future Plans
Ladies and gentlemen, the last 75 years of asking, begging and finally fighting for the land is behind us.
It has been a long and winding road and there were many times when we thought we have got a piece
of land namely Maxwell road and the Pudu Road but only to be disappointed time and again. But we
are here, our Pudu road days are behind us and although it will be etched in each and every one of our
memories, it is time to build again literally and figuratively.
Your GC has deliberated many times on what we are going to do with the land.
As we are almost the registered owner of the Bangsar Utama Land, we now need to brief you on what
are the options available to SAFTEA re the Land.
I will discuss this briefly here and later you will have the chance to debate and discuss this further:-
There are 4 options available to SAFTEA:-
1. Get a Joint Venture partner to build for us. With this method we will still be able to get a club
house built for us on the land at very little cost to ourselves. The Developer will either take a
long lease or take a share of our land and sell their share to willing buyers.
2. Sell the land and buy a factory lot, existing or brand new, from a developer or buy a plot of
land further out of KL and have a temporary structure on the land.
3. We raise funds and build a building ourselves.
4. Leave the status quo, until some other option can be found.
Accounts: Ladies & Gentlemen I am pleased to point out that in our accounts, for the first time in
many, many years it shows a very healthy surplus of RM3, 878,126.00. This is due to SAFTEA having
successfully fought for and secured an asset in the form of the Bangsar Utama land valued at RM4
million.
Lastly, it remains for me to thank all those who have supported the association in big and small ways.
God bless us all.
Thank you.
SHEILA DE COSTA, President

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF 90TH AGM

The next item on the agenda was the confirmation of the minutes of the 90th Annual General Meeting.
Datuk Nick Peterson clarified that this was a passing of the minutes rather than a discussion of the
issues (at this point), with the discussion to follow later. Denis Armstrong then proposed the minutes
in question passed, Datuk Peterson seconded the motion. The minutes were duly confirmed.

CONFIRMATION AND ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT

For the motion to confirm and adopt the Annual Report for the year ending December 2013, John De
Souza proposed and Carl Goonting seconded. The Annual Report was duly confirmed.

CONFIRMATION AND ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTS

13


Datuk Nick Peterson noted some discrepancies in the education fund, which he had recorded in letters
to the General Committee (GC), with a view to resolve these at a later stage.

Datuk Nick Peterson also posed the following question: I notice a pay-out to Richard Robless, but I
dont see a pay-in. Because it was returned to the association, so it may be something we look at.

Gerald Lee: At the end of 2011, the books showed an outstanding amount, Richard Robless advanced
RM12,000 to the club. By end 2012, he said he wanted to donate that amount to the club, to the
education fund.

Datuk Nick Peterson: But it shows as a transaction in 2013?

Gerald Lee: In 2013, the cheque issued to him was returned by him, so the issue was closed by end
2012.

For the motion to confirm and pass the accounts, Denis Armstrong proposed, Stanley Augustin
seconded. The accounts were duly confirmed.


SPECIAL BUSINESS

1. Proposal to amend membership fees

The GC put forward the proposal to reduce the associations entrance fee to RM100 to encourage the
youth to join and it was also proposed that the fees be waived for those under 25 years.

Datuk Nick Peterson: There are two issues, one is the entrance fee and one is subscription. Where
the entrance fee is concerned, the constitution has set the registration fee, the AGM must decide; the
decision goes to the Registrar of Societies (ROS). The subscription fee can be decided by the GC. I fully
support the decision, but it must go to the ROS.

Anne Carter and Denis Armstrong both asked for clarification; Anne enquired whether it was RM100
for those under 25 (the fee was to be waived) and Denis asked whether this would apply to only
Eurasians, or across the board and it was clarified that this was to apply across the board.

The decision was unanimously approved by the members in attendance.

2. Briefing on SAFTEAs land and future plans

Sheila De Costa proposed a discussion of the options for the associations land, noting that there were
no offers on it as at the time of this meeting. She made it clear if option 1 were to be chosen, that she
would not agree for any developer to raise funds by charging the land the developer would have to
come up with their own funds.

Stanley August in congratulated the GC on acquiring the land. Never thought we would get a land in
my lifetime, but you managed to get a land, so very well done. So many have tried before, even I have
tried (when I was the President) but we all failed, we got nothing. Now we have a property worth RM
4 million and are earning an income of RM 8000 per month. You did it, Congratulations!

Sheila De Costa: As for option 2, it is always cheaper when you buy from a developer or a factory lot
which is under auction. We also need to know if members are prepared to travel a bit further, in case
14


the clubhouse is further out of town. Or we can buy a piece of land, maybe agricultural, and have it
converted, and then have a temporary structure built on the land. So options 1 and 2 are very do-able;
option 3 is a bit tough, because if we can raise the money to build, the building prices are going up
every year. Its not impossible, but difficult, we would have to play catch-up all the time.

At this point, several members gave their input on the different options.
(A Slide presentation on the 4 options was projected onto the screen showing the 4 options available
to SAFTEA).
1. Get a Joint Venture partner to build for us. With this method we will still be able to get a club
house built for us on the land at very little cost to ourselves. The Developer will either take a
long lease or take a share of our land and sell their share to willing buyers.
2. Sell the land and buy a factory lot, existing or brand new, from a developer or buy a plot of
land further out of KL and have a temporary structure on the land.
3. We raise funds and build a building ourselves.
4. Leave the status quo, until some other option can be found.

Stanley Augustin: Youre not getting any younger, so I think the first option is the best! If thinking of
the distance, a lot of people may not be able to travel. The most important thing is to get the support
of the members, and the people supporting us now are the ones in the age group we find ourselves in
now.

Leslie Armstrong: I would like to share re the YMCA, for which I am the President. We are looking at
development of the land. It was changed from freehold to leasehold. We fought to change it back to
freehold. We got Mr. Su Tiang Joo to fight for us and we succeeded to get it back to freehold. I also
vote for option 1. We know there are a few willing developers, but usually the land is charged to the
developer, and they want a contract of about 30 years most developers will ask from 20 to 30 years.
Bangsar is quite close to everybody.

Denis Armstrong: I also agree with option 1. The land is only about 50 metres from the Bangsar LRT
station. But I also think we should leave another option open No. 3. While working on option 1, we
can still collect money. We need to go to institutions, embassies, perhaps Brazil, Macau, Sweden. The
Scandinavian cultures, especially, tend to be very sympathetic to minorities.

Carl Goonting: I am also going for option 1 need to find out what zoning allows. A few floors to be
rented out, administration and function rooms on the ground floor, and we get the rent from
maintenance.

Datuk Nick Peterson: While the President and GC can deliberate on this, I just wonder if the
development committee is incorporated in discussion. It should be. And I think the general body
needs to participate in the decision.

Joe De Costa: Whether it is option 1 or 2 it does not matter, but if it is Option 2, we can consider
paying in instalments.

Cyril Xavier: I am also for option 1, but there are certain pitfalls we may have to face. We must make
sure we do not charge if the developer goes bust, the bank will take back the land. Instead, build
with the option to buy back.

15


Sheila De Costa: This is a preliminary discussion, and once we have people coming in with offers etc.,
we will put it to the general body. If anyone know any developers, please come forward now once
we have proposals, we will call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). However, we should put a
date on when proposals should come in.

Leslie Armstrong: May I propose that a development committee for this project be set up. It is very
important; I do not know who is sitting on ours. At the YMCA, our development committee has
lawyers, engineers, architects, etc. The direction for the building needs to be set by the committee,
before bringing in the developers. You need a cross-section of people, experts in their respective
fields.

Denis Armstrong: I like what you just mentioned about putting a date often we talk without having
a date in mind and things are not done. If our forefathers in the 30s and 40s had set targets, we
wouldnt be here now.

Sheila De Costa: We need to get this by December 2015. But there is a need to be an EGM for this, as
it is special business.

Cyril Xavier: I think this should be settled within 6 months. I have done many joint ventures, and they
are always settled in 3 to 6 months. If it takes too long, other developers will think there is something
wrong with the space.

Sheila De Costa: We will work towards getting something for the General Body to consider by June
2015.

5. Questions from the floor

Gerald Lee: Two things. Firstly, we received a very nice letter from Denis Armstrong. Thank you.
Secondly, we received a letter about the accounts from Timothy Robless, our internal auditor. Firstly,
about the RM12,000 brought up earlier by Datuk Nick Peterson thats been addressed. The second
issue in the letter was that of minimum wage paid to employees, which was addressed by Deputy
President James Monteiro at last years AGM.

Denis Armstrong: As part of the internal audit team, Timothy would have access to all documents and
personnel, and I like them to ask very hard questions. They key people in question would be the
Treasurer and Deputy President. The audit team would have to talk to them. Personally, I find it
bizarre that an auditor would pose questions on an audit conducted by his own audit team. If the
auditor is unhappy with anything, he can refuse to sign, call the committee and explain such refusal,
get the answers he needs, and then sign off. But definitely not to pose those questions on an audit he
has already signed off. This happened last year, I let it pass but not this year.

Joe De Costa: Internal auditors cannot ask questions here, they should have already done so before
this.

Su: Regarding the mention of the minimum wage, Id like to disabuse a misconception. The minimum
wage came into force in January 2013. It is a fallacy that everyone is entitled to a minimum of RM900
this minimum is applicable only if you work full-time. If you are a part-timer, you are only entitled to
a minimum of RM4.33 an hour.

Sheila De Costa: The letter demanded that we compensate, and upon checking, we found out that we
had actually over-paid.
16



Datuk Nick Peterson: As an internal auditor, Timothy should have access to all the books, but I
understand that not all the books were ready so was this letter sent in before or after the accounts
were audited?

Sheila De Costa: All documents requested by the auditors were made available when the internal
auditors requested for them.

Denis Armstrong: I think we should ask him why he wrote the letter, because he is part of a team.

Su: I agree with Denis Armstrong, as someone has levelled a serious accusation. And I think it should
be investigated further and the person asked to show cause.

Stanley Augustin: We have to pay legal fees for the good work done to get the land. If it were me, I
would charge. My time costs are RM 1200 per hour. I understand we are paying legal fees, and I
suggest we pay from the rent.

Leslie Armstrong: Work has been done and should be paid.

Gerald Lee: We received a letter from Jude Singho asking why James Monteiro resigned. We cant
talk about it because it is a private matter; you can ask him directly.

With this, Gerald Lee declared the AGM brought to a close, and thanked all for their attendance and
comments.


-------------------- END ----------------------------

Report on the Land belonging to SAFTEA : PN 9390, Lot 348, Seksyen 96 Bandar Kuala
Lumpur,Daerah Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Wilayah Persekutuan ( or lot 348 Jalan Bangsar
Utama 8, 50490 Kuala Lumpur).
1.Partial demolishment of structure by DBKL
The year 2014 has been a very eventful one for our Land. It was the first full year of being rented out
and the Tenant experienced some issues with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), namely for not
having a permit for its structure. In February 2014, DBKL tore down part of the structure that the
tenant had constructed as a consequence. Infact, the tenant had erected a structure that was broadly
similar to the one that UDA and or its tenants had erected. If, members would remember, UDA had
agreed that SAFTEA would get the Land with the existing structure on the Land. But sometime before
we were to take possession of the Land in 2013, the existing or late tenant of UDA had removed the
roof and destroyed the existing structure on the Land. SAFTEA received 2 notices from DBKL informing
us that the structure was illegal and the entire structure would be torned down within 2 weeks from
the date of the notice. SAFTEA then checked with UDA Holdings, the previous owner of the land and
were informed that they (UDA) had no records of having a building permit for the structure
constructed on the Land. This was despite the fact that there was a structure on the Land before we
took over.
17


2. Application for Permit for structure
SAFTEA then had to reply to DBKL notice as well as the preparation and signing some plans to be
submitted on getting a permit for the approval of the structure to DBKL. However as per our tenancy
agreement with the tenant all costs were borne by the tenant. The issue has since been sorted out
and fresh plans were resubmitted.
3. Consent from State authorities and waiver of stamp duty
The consent from the State Authorities to transfer the land to SAFTEA was obtained early in 2014 and
the waiver of stamp duty by June 2014. Thus saving about RM60,000.00. The obtaining of a waiver of
stamp duty was never a foregone conclusion and is almost impossible to obtain. Thanks go to our
lawyers Cheah Teh & Su and in particular associate member Mr Su Tiang Joo and his team, who
worked on this and never gave up so that SAFTEA became the legal owner of the Land and received
the title in November 2014.
The land is the main source of SAFTEAs income for 2014.
Joint Venture to build a clubhouse
At the last AGM, options were submitted for the general body for debate and discussion as to what we
would like to do with the land. The 4 options were
There were 4 options available to SAFTEA:-
1. Get a Joint Venture partner to build for us. With this method we will still be able to get a club
house built for us on the land at very little cost to ourselves. The Developer will either take a
long lease or take a share of our land and sell their share to willing buyers.
2. Sell the land and buy a factory lot, existing or brand new, from a developer or buy a plot of
land further out of KL and have a temporary structure on the land.
3. We raise funds and build a building ourselves.
4. Leave the status quo, until some other option can be found.

After a healthy debate, it was unanimously decided that the general body would go for option
1. That is, get a joint venture partner to build for us and the GC will have to report back to the
general body by the end of June 2015.
I have been meeting with all the parties who expressed an interest in the joint venture (almost
all were introduced by members and their contacts.)
A couple of parties have reverted with their preliminary views and this would be a foundation
on which to build the new clubhouse, have a sustainable income which would see us into the
future.

Sheila De Costa
President


18

VICE PRESIDENT 1 - REPORT YEAR ENDING 2014.

Darren G. Duarte

In 2014, the association continued with the monthly tradition of Sunday curry lunches at the Royal
Commonwealth Society Ballroom. Attendance was good, with a full house almost every month.

These curry lunches would not have been possible without the continued support of members and
friends A very big thank you to all of you. A special mention must also be made of the dedication and
hard work of Maureen Sibert and her team.

In terms of recreation, darts remained the main flag bearer for SAFTEAs sporting activities. The clubs
darters participated in a number of tournaments, and I would like to acknowledge Mr Balaraman for
his continued dedication to SAFTEAs darts team.

In December, the association held a Christmas Cheer party at the Royal Commonwealth Society
Ballroom. The turnout for the event, which was organized by Elaine Especkerman, was overwhelming,
with friends coming from near and far to celebrate with SAFTEA and dance the night away, in true
serani style. This was a wonderful occasion filled with much merry-making.

There was also a mini Christmas bazaar organized by Janice Monteiro Lewis, with stalls selling
everything from cakes and pickles to clothing and beauty products. This was a great hit with our
guests.

The association ushered in 2015 with a New Years Eve bash at Empire Hotel in Subang. The fun-filled
event was a great success.

During my tenure as Vice President of SAFTEA, I received tremendous support and guidance from past
presidents, as well as members of the association. For this, I am most grateful. Serving with Sheila De
Costa and the current GC members has been a privilege, and I hope members will continue to support
the association.

Thank you and God bless all of you.

Darren Geraldo Duarte

19

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT & HON GENERAL SECRETARY - Report - FY 2014

Gerald M Lee

Taking the responsibility of two positions came with challenges, but with the support of our President
and the GC, made my tasks lighter and manageable. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to
our President Sheila De Costa and the General Committee (GC) for their understanding and
commitment in our endeavours.

The GC leaving differences at bay, functioned cohesively as one. Efforts and support crossed
boundaries in our sharing of goals, with focus on serving the members. I personally got involved in
several parts of the operations and contributed where I could. Even tough challenges were
surmountable, with effort of course. With the committed and focused leadership, I must say that I
enjoyed my term serving SAFTEA.

The position of Acting Honorary General Secretary came with a different set of duties and
responsibilities. I was given a seat on the Education Committee to represent SAFTEA. Also, I was
fortunate to have the support of our Presidents secretary Mary, her office staff and the use of her
office facilities.

Our GC Meetings and SAFTEAs activities went on smoothly. Eventually after trying many other
venues, we are comfortable holding the monthly Sunday Family Lunches at the Royal Selangor Club
Kiara hall. Our two Power Sisters, Maureen and Elaine with their determination to always do better
delivered well to the Members Cheers to the Power Sisters.

Members, thank you for giving me the honour and opportunity to serve SAFTEA and the Eurasian
Community at large. I enjoyed my term and I look forward to being of service to SAFTEA.

Regards and thank you,

Gerald M Lee

20

HON TREASURER - 2014 Annual Report

Joan Margaret Marbeck
After being in SAFTEA for the last 25 years, it is with much excitement, enthusiasm and belief that I
note the confidence and 'raring to go' spirit among the Membership who want to take a GIANT LEAP
forward.
Signs of pride in our Eurasian Culture and Heritage and above all our industry to progress socially,
economically and professionally as one people among the minority communities of both East and
West Malaysia is surfacing and visible among the Members.
In the last 4 years when Members of SAFTEA were threatened with the loss of ' A Club House' at Jalan
Pudu, we rose to the occasion, led by our industrious and capable first LADY PRESIDENT, Mdm. Sheila
De Costa, the General Committee, Past Presidents and the regular, supportive Membership to battle
for our Rights and for the FORT that projected our image and that kept us United.
As always, there will be many pertinent questions asked as to the Business Affairs of the Association
at AGMs ' How much do we have in the Bank, now?' Why was so much spent on GC Meetings'
For reasons and answers to the above questions and to more complicated ones, the Finance
Committee which is made up of The President, The Vice President, The Hon. Treasurer, The Hon.
Secretary and an Associate Member of the GC handles and deliberates on the Monthly Income and
Expenditure of the Association.
We have also engaged the professional services of an External Auditor Mr. Mohd. Izzat of PKF Auditors
and Accounts Manager, Mr. Kevin Wong of C.E. Corporate Executives Sdn. Bhd. respectively, to
prepare and submit our YEARLY Accounts in proper order.
While enthusiasm and pride to belong to one of the oldest Community Associations in Kuala Lumpur,
is running high among the SAFTEA Membership, I as Hon. Treasurer, sincerely request that your
Membership Subscriptions be brought up to date and Pledges made at ' The Last Hurrah' in 2013 be
paid up as soon as possible. These unsettled Pledges amount to approximately RM16,000/-.

My appreciation to all who supported and were sensitive to our Fund - Raising Activities in 2014- 2015.
A formal Big Thank You to Mdm. President, Sheila De Costa and her husband Mr. Su Tiang Joo for the
generosity of a yearly Education Scholarship of RM10,000/- and their expertise as lawyers for having
won from UDA, a property worth RM 4 million in Bangsar as compensation for our beloved ' Club
House' in Jalan Pudu.

MUTU GRANDI MERSEH, TUDU.

Joan Margaret Marbeck

Hon. Treasurer

** It is now your privilege to check the Account Books Displayed **
21

SAFTEA EDUCATION FUND COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 2014

Datuk Nick Peterson

Chairman

The SAFTEA Education Committee continued to administer and manage the Education Fund during
2014. 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.

Mrs Jean Monteiro

: Committee Member and Awards Coordinator.

Mr. Stewart Edmonds : Committee Member and Loans and Assistance Coordinator.
Mr. Gerald Lee

: Committee Member and General Committee Representative.

Ms Adeline Louis had to step down as a Committee Member in early 2014, due to her other
commitments. We thank Adeline for her diligent and professional support for the many years.
For 2014 the Committee held a total of five (5) meetings and implemented the following:

The Annual High Achiever Award for the 2014 for scholastic achievement in the year 2013.
Besides recipients from SAFTEA, the High Achiever Award was open to the other
Portuguese/Eurasian Associations.
Scholastic Assistance for the daughter of one of our SAFTEA Member, who passed away in
March 2013. The daughter was completing her Matriculation in 2014.

The recipients for the High Achievers Award for 2014 were:
SAFTEA:
ASHLEY DENISE CHAI SINGHO: Obtained 8 As for SPM
AMANDA MARIE JOSEPH: Obtained 7 As for SPM
CLARISSA LIANNE VAN HUIZEN: Obtained 5 As for SPM
LARA JANE STA MARIA: Obtained 5 As for UPSR
SAFTEA SPECIAL AWARDS
CLEO JADE CHAN:

Obtained 3 As for SPM

JOEL SAMUEL VAN HUIZEN: Award for youth Sports

MALACCA
STEVIE TOBI BIN SIKIM: Obtained 8 As for SPM
22


ANDRIANA SEQUERAH: Obtained 7 As for SPM
SARAH PATRICIA NONIS: Obtained 7 As for PMR
MITCHEL KEAGAN THESEIRA: Obtained 5 As for UPSR
PERAK
VANESSA JOANNE PEREIRA: Obtained 7 As for PMR
The details of the Education Fund are as shown in the SAFTEA Reports and Financial Statements for
the Financial Year Ended 31 December 2014
The SAFTEA Education Committee takes this opportunity to thank SAFTEA President Madam Sheila De
Costa, and General Committee Members for all their support and assistance in 2014.
We also thank all our donors and supporters who have contributed so generously to the Education
Fund each and every year.

Datuk Nick Peterson

Date: 1 June 2015.

23

LADIES CHAIRPERSON REPORT 2014

Maureen Sibert
Having said goodbye to our Jalan Pudu Clubhouse in 2013, we took our Sunday Family Lunches to the
Royal Commonwealth Society in Damansara. For this I must thank our member Geoffery Sivanathan
for getting us the hall. The Lunches went on pretty well for almost a year before the RCS raised the
rental and we had to leave.

Darren Duarte our VP then got a place at a Pub in town. We did the January 2015 Lunch there, but
found the space too small. We cancelled the Feb lunch because of the Chinese New Year holidays.
Response for the March lunch was poor, so we had to call that off too.

I then approached our other VP Gerald Lee to get the Royal Selangor Club. Much to my delight he got
the hall there and we had the April and May lunches at RSC Kiara. Thank you so much Gerald Lee for
giving so much of your time and effort in trying to make every lunch a success.

In closing, thank you one and all for attending the lunches. My deep appreciation to Ann Tan, Belinda,
Mc Roy, and Anne Jansen for rounding up your friends every month. To my President Sheila De Costa
and Dato Lawrence, my huge thank you for donating prizes every month. Thanks also to Gerald,
Darren and Carl for your contributions.

To the Bands, namely Winds of Change, Lights, Crystal Notes, Zarsadias Bros, Derek & Shilla, I must say
we have always enjoyed your music. Keep up the good work and a big thank you.

Lastly but definitely not least, to my ever helpful committee, words cannot express how grateful I am
for all the help you have given me. A special thank you to Yap Tee Loy for sitting at the door every
month; I really appreciate your dedication. Willie, Elaine, Mary and Nancy, you really make my load a
lot easier; a million thanks.

To everyone else, whose help in one way or other thanks ever so much.
May the GOOD LORD bless you and your families.

Maureen Sibert

24

SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE REPORT 2014

Elaine Especkerman
Committee Members:

Belinda Mc Roy

John and Nancy De Souza

Hilary Gomes

Mary and Willie Nunis

Maureen Sibert

Yap Tee Loy

Siva and Lydia Salem

Ronnie Ambrose

In August 2014, the seniors Committee made up a group and took a trip to Penang to attend the
Penang Eurasian Annual Fiesta and bazaar. We had an enjoyable weekend with our Penang brothers
and sisters. Edwin Gasper was our tour guide. He was so helpful and really looked after us during our
stay there. Thank you Edwin.
Christmas Cheer Hi-Tea was held on 14 Dec 2014. We saw a very good turnout of members and
friends. We thank Denis Doss for arranging and conducting our carolling session for the evening. Once
again, Denis did a great job of getting the crowd to join in the singing and putting everyone in the
Christmas mood. Year after year, Denis has never disappointed us. Thank you Denis, GOD Bless you.
At our Christmas Cheer, we also had a mini Bazaar, thanks to help from Janice Lewis. There was a
lovely display of Christmas cakes, pickles and decorations, etc. Great job Janice.
I am also very grateful to our Associate members Ann Tan and Belinda Mc Roy for taking the trouble to
gather their friends for our functions. Thank you.
Last but not least, a big Thank You to my Committee members. Each of you played a great part not
only in our seniors functions, but also in SAFTEA functions. GOD Bless the seniors.
To all SAFTEA members, your families and friends, on behalf of the Seniors Citizen Committee, I say
thank you to all, for your support and donations throughout the year. GOD Bless you all and take care.

Elaine Especkerman

25

SAFTEA MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Iris De Souza
(1)

Overview
To review the membership register and update all members records and to attract new
members, the following initiatives were implemented:
1.1

Registered Letters

Reconnecting Eurasians, who were once active members but unfortunately, for one
reason or another, have now lost touch with the Association. When I took over the
membership portfolio there were 711 members on record. 524 of these members
were inactive members, of whom 151 had no contact details and thus leaving 373
with contactable last known addresses.
Registered letters were dispatched to them explaining the Associations position and
inviting them to renew their ties with the Association. To sweeten the offer, the
General Committee decided that they needed to make a payment of the annual
membership subscription for only two years. All other outstanding arrears were
waived.

1.2

Advertisements

To broaden our reach, especially to those inactive members with no contact details,
two ads were inserted in The Star (Sunday, 26th October and Monday, 27th October
2014).
Postings were also done on our Facebook page i.e. on Saft Eurasian Assc.

1.3

Entrance Fee Reduction

The reduction for a limited period of the entrance fee for all membership categories
to RM100 (This special offer was unanimously approved at the last AGM and will end
the day before the 93rd AGM).

1.4

Waiver for Youths

To encourage young Eurasians to join the Association, the entrance fee for youths (i.e.
students and below 25 years) was waived (Approved unanimously at the last AGM and
will end the day before the 93rd AGM).

1.5

Appeal

26


The General Committee also made an appeal to all active members to reach out to
their respective relatives and friends and invite them to reconnect with the
Association.
(2)

Current Situation

2.1

Reconnection Exercise Results

The results from the above initiatives to encourage the inactive members to
reconnect with the Association were rather disappointing. All these measures drew a
response from only 41 who are today welcomed back as active members.

2.2

New Members
The reduction of the entrance fee attracted 28 new members to join the Association.
We warmly welcome the following new members :
2014 = 23
1.
B/027/LM

2.
B/028/LM

3.
C/023/LM

4.
C/024/LM

5.
C/064/A/LM
6.
C/065/A/LM
7.
D/055W/LM
8.
D/087/LM

9.
D/089/LM

10.
D/088/LM

11.
D/008W/A/LM
12.
D/009/A/LM
13.
J/022/LM

14.
J/023/LM

15.
L/039/LM

16.
L/040/LM

17.
L/058/A/LM
18.
L/060/A/LM
19.
M/040/LM

20.
N/026/LM

21.
S/100/LM

22.
T/021/LM

23.
V/012/LM

2015 = 5

Margaret Buenaventura
Patricia Grace Boudville
Richard Edward Churme
Aaron Lawson Cowie
Rose Chee-Keyworth
Cletus a/l J.E. James
Stephanie De Zilva nee Pinto
Paul David Danker
Michael James De Alwis
Sean Salim Davidson
Vivian Villenguez
Hodgson DeCruz
Amanda Marie Joseph
Brian Daniel Johnson
Dato Kevin Christopher Louis
Bryn Christopher Leong
Lucy Lee See Neo
Lee Boon Leong @ Lee Boon Kim
Cheryl Kimberly Monteiro
Nicole a/p Vijayakumar
Susan a/p Rajana Yagam
Lucy Turner
Paul Van Dort

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Kenneth Dielenberg
Marie Ann De Souza
Julian Jansen
Vivian Kishore Samuel
Datuk Arthur Edmonds

D/090/LM
D/091/LM
J/024/LM
S/101/LM
E/015/LM

27

2.3

RIP

We mourn the passing away of three members during this period:

1.
2.
3.

D/051/LM
T/013/LM
M/004/LM

Catherine De Silva on 1.10.2014

Felix Theseira on 4.10.2014
Florence Manen on 22.2.2015

2.4

Current Membership Roll

Total number of members on record :

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active / In Contact with the Association :

256

Inactive / Not In Contact with the Association :

458

Died / Resigned from the Association :

25

Note that there are only 256 active members.

739

The breakdown of active members by category is as follows :

Total

Male Female

Life Members Ordinary :

212

133

79

Life Members Associate :

33

26

Life Members Honorary :

11

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.5

Computerisation

256

167

89

The present day allows for an efficient and effective way to keep records of members
through the use of technology, where data are kept in a programme that authorised
persons can access at a touch of a button. When I took over this portfolio, records
were kept manually and in hard copies. It was a tedious process trying to match loose
data kept in various files, books, folders and boxes.
I have since consolidated, as much as I can, the available data and matched it against a
members record. It is kept in a simple spreadsheet for the moment. In the upcoming
AGM, the elected Membership Chairpersons first task is to look at transferring the
data from my spreadsheet into a proper member-record programme/application.
28


I am appealing for a member who works in-depth with IT to step up and assist in this
process. My vision is for the computerisation of members records to be completed by
end 2015.
(3)

Focus
To recruit new members especially young Eurasians who will be the future torch-bearers of
the communitys culture and heritage.
Members are the lifeblood of an association. SAFTEA needs the support, cooperation and
commitment of each and every Eurasian, more so at this challenging period of its history.
If each of the 256 active members recruit just one new member or persuades an inactive
member to reconnect with the Association, we will immediately double the number of active
members.

Iris De Souza
Membership
















29


PR & PUBLICITY REPORT
Prepared by: Janice Monteiro-Lewis
Date: 30 January 2015

1. BERITA SAFTEA
The Berita Saftea Issue 1/2014 was circulated in July 2014. The contents covered activities from
October 2013 till Jan 2015.
Currently, I am coordinating with Suzanne to prepare the next Berita Saftea, which will cover activities
from June 2014 till December 2014. I will undertake the artwork, design, layout and printing as done
with the previous newsletter. Target date of completion of contents is mid February and circulation
date is end February. These dates are subject to final approval/sign off by the GC of pages before
printing.

2. CURRY LUNCH 27 MARCH 2014

As part of SAFTEA's CSR initiatives a "SIGN FOR HOPE - PRAY FOR MH370" banner was created for
members and guests to write messages in support of search and rescue efforts of the missing aircraft.

3. EURASIAN SHOWCASE 2015

A proposal was prepared and presented to the GC during the monthly meeting in May 2014. The
objective of organising the event was showcase Eurasian culture and heritage, not just Malaysian but
other countries as well. The event was scheduled to be in April 2015. However, organising such an
event on a large scale would require a longer planning period as it would involve other parties besides
SAFTEA. The following was then suggested during the meeting:

a. The event be scaled down and to relook at potential relevant parties, which are based in
Malaysia and may be interested to participate, e.g. Consulate of Portugal, Embassy of Brazil,
British High Commission and other state Eurasian Associations.
b. Focus on arts and sculpture featuring Eurasian talent.

Decision is still pending as to whether the event is feasible and to proceed accordingly.

4. YOUTH EXPRESSION 6 JULY 2014

Assisted the Youth Committee Chairman, Arnold Monteiro during the event to introduce the
performing bands and photography. However, turnout was below expectations and there is a need to
brainstorm on how to better publicise and reach out to the Eurasian youth to garner their active
participation in such events.
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5. HIGH ACHIEVERS' AWARD, MOTIVATION AWARDS AND SPECIAL AWARDS CEREMONY
24 AUGUST 2014
The press release prepared by Datuk Nick Peterson, Chairman, SAFTEA Education Committee was
edited and final approved version were sent out together with invites to members of the media. Press
kits were also prepared for circulation to the media on the event date. However, the media
representatives did not attend or cover the said event.

6. SAFTEA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) 9 NOVEMBER 2014

Prior to the AGM, which was held on 9 November 2014, the Notice of AGM press advertisementswere
booked and published in the STAR national edition on 26 and 27 October 2014. This met with the
statutory requirements of giving the minimum 14 days notice to members for the AGM.
I would suggest that the next annual report be presented in a more reader-friendly, professional and
presentable format for the report section rather than the existing way it is published. Apart from the
financial statements section the contents can be prepared upon receipt of the minutes taken during
the AGM and reports from all committees concerned.
Upon the confirmation of the next AGM date a timeline schedule can be prepared and submitted to
facilitate the production of the annual report.

7. CHRISTMAS CHEER & MINI BAZAAR 14 DECEMBER 2014

Coordinated and assisted with organising the said event with Elaine Especkerman, Ladies Committee
Chairman. Assisted with setup, posters and decorations of both halls the day before.
A total of nine tables were rented for the mini bazaar at RM50.00 per table. It was agreed that
participants of the bazaar kept their own sales collections. Response was encouraging and most of the
bazaar participants managed modest earnings on that day. However, a number of members and
guests mentioned that they were not aware of the bazaar.
The accounts for the bazaar was settled and handed over to Elaine Especkerman on 23 December
2014.

Janice Monteiro-Lewis
PR & PUBLICITY

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F&B Report

Arnold Monteiro
F&B Chairman / Youth
FRIDAY MEMBER NIGHTS EXPERIMENT
The Friday nights, which were also called members night, were a feature of the old Club House at
167, Jalan Pudu. It used to reverbrate with live music, dancing and singing and camaraderie every
Friday night since it was instituted.
Now that the Club House is no more, there is no place for members to meet up and have a drink
together in cosy surroundings. The GC decided to do an experiment with the reviving of the the Friday
members night at the other venues.
The Friday nights were held four times-two in November 2014 at OlSkool in Jalan Gasing, Petaling
Jaya and other two times at the Empire Hotel in Subang Jaya .Whilst we had a fair turn out of
members, having to pay for a live band ( at the Empire ), the transport to cart the music equipment to
the venue and back. The experiment was deemed not viable as the function were not self sustaining
(as the income from the drinks went to the owners of the venue in question). SAFTEA will have to rent
its own clubhouse pending the completion of its own building.
Thanks go to Vice Presidents Darren Duarte & Gerald Lee for their assistance and cooperation to work
on this Experiment.
Youth
A Youth function was held on 6th July 2014, at Hangover Pub in Petaling Jaya. The turnout was good
and rock music was played for the pleasure of both the Youth and the seniors who attended.
New Years Eve Dinner 2014-2015
The New Year Eve Dinner & Dance was held at the Ballroom, Empire Hotel, Subang Jaya on
31/12/2014. 257 members & friends turned up to enjoy the evening & to usher in 2015. It was great
It was great to have a NYE Dinner & Dance, one of the oldest traditions of SAFTEA, after a hiatus
of one year.
A fusion Christmas buffet was served with drinks sold at a very competitive rate.
There was a lucky draw with a first prize of an i-Pad mini graciously donated by member, Gerald
Gunter, Whiskys & Wines donated by VP Darren Duarte, President Sheila De Costa, Hon Treasurer,
Joan Marbeck, five fire extinguishers donated by Julian Jansen and headphones were among the
prizes.
The Ladies & Senior Citizen Chairpersons, Maureen Sibert & Elaine Espekerman and committee
member Yap Tee Loy and membership chairman, Iris De Souza & member Anne Tan worked hard
together with me to ensure the events success which turned a fair profit.

Arnold Monteiro
Chairman / Youth
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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,

Ms Sheila De Costa

Gerald M. Lee

President

Second Vice President &

SAFTEA

Acting Honorary General Secretary

SAFTEA

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