Proposed BB Youth/Briged Putera Belia Constitution

I received this via email: the proposed BB Youth Constitution (click here to download). 

I think some of the most interesting (and, in my humble opinion, quite alarming) proposals include: 

ARTICLE 4: OBJECTIVES

The Object of The BRIGED PUTERA BELIA shall be the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among Members and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian Character.

The object of The BRIGED PUTERA BELIA shall be pursued by the development of the upmost potential of members in a holistic manner; socially, physically, intellectually and spiritually and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tends towards a true noble Character.

Like whoever commented on the document, I also strongly object with the wording of the second paragraph because it completely removes the Christiaan identity of the BB’s activities. It also defeats the original intent of Sir William Alexander Smith in starting the BB and hence, makes us no different with other youth organizations like The Boy Scouts.

I also wonder about this: 

ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP

5.1 Membership shall be by invitation alone to any suitably qualified Malaysian 

who are above the age of 15 years and below the age of (40) such persons being proposed and seconded by the Brigade Executive of the Boys’ Brigade Malaysia the BRIGED PUTERA BELIA Secretary who shall present the application to the Board for consideration and approval. The Board reserves the right to reject any application without assigning any reasons thereto. The decision of the Board on matters of membership shall be final.

Seems to me that all this is just about how the current leaders can keep being the current leaders? The new members of BB Youth still require endorsement from BBM before they are allowed to join. And "The decision of the Board on matters of membership shall be final". 

Also: 

5.3 University students or College-University students shall not be accepted as the members of the BRIGED PUTERA BELIA except with prior written consent from the Vice-Chancellor of the University or College-University concerned.

What will this mean for our older Members - typically our higher ranking Members (SSGTs, SGTs, Primers, WOs, etc.)? They need to get approval from their university/college authorities before continuing their membership in BB? 

Also: 

5.5 There shall be two types of membership :-

5.5.1 Ordinary Members -  Open to all irrespective of sex, race, colour, creed, nationality, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability so long as the individual is able to participate in the programme.  There shall be no limit to the total number of this category of membership.

5.5.2 Honorary Member – The President of the Brigade Executive of the Boys’ Brigade Malaysia shall sit ex-officio as an Honorary Member. The Board may recommend from time to time and confer this type of membership upon any person whom the Board thinks fit and proper to become an Honorary member. There is no limit on the total number of Honorary members at any one time. Such members shall normally be resident in Malaysia. Honorary members are exempted from paying any subscription and they enjoy the same rights as ordinary members except the right to vote and the right to hold executive posts in the Committee.

I agree with the comment that this subjects the BB to the "problem"of accepting Muslims into the movement, since it is against Malaysian law to convert Muslims. This concern might have been addressed by article 4.  Also, homosexuality (by use of words “sexual orientation" in the article) should not be accepted as it does not abide by biblical teachings. 

However, the Honorary Member part seems dodgy - as it seems like yet another way for "people who can't let go" to "not let go". I'm not saying that this is true of certain people now, but I worry about this if we really do have some person who just "doesn't want to let go" (for the lack of a better example, Samy Vellu and MIC). 

Forgive my "slowness" but I think the Constitution makes it sound like the BB Youth are a completely separate and independent organization. This leaves me with 2 questions: 

1. What is the relationship with BB Malaysia then? Is there any? Will BBM even exist anymore? 
   
2. If independent, then I think there are many little "backdoors" for the current BBM leaders to continue their influence. Not a problem to me, but I think it really seems insincere - when we should be championing the younger generation to lead, we keep finding ways for the "older generation" to stay and continue leading. 
   

FYI, when you check the Properties of this document, it was prepared by Mr. Michael Chong, 1st Batu Pahat. 

Personally, I am left to wonder... BBM had THREE years to prepare for change, yet we spent that time looking for ways to conduct "business as usual". Now that we have no choice, will we end up making hasty decisions which might later prove to be unwise? 

I look at the proposed Constitution and I get a little worried. 

God help us, please. 

And please be there for the EGM - aware and alert. The destiny of the Boys' Brigade depends on it. 

The implications of the Youth Act 2007 on Boys' Brigade

"AKTA 668 - Akta Pertubuhan Belia dan Pembangunan Belia 2007" (or The Youth Act 2007) was enacted on July 26, 2007. This means that, as of 26 July 2007, The Youth Act 2007 is a law of Malaysia.

What is this about?
Some major points to note about The Youth Act 2007:

• The law defines “youth” as those between the ages of 15 to 40
• A Youth Organization is considered as:

1. any organisation that has the name 'Youth' or something which means 'Youth',
2. its members are between the ages of 15 to 40,
3. has an objective of conducting youth activities

• All Office Bearers (EXCOs/Leaders/Top “Official Positions”) of youth organisations and its branches must be members of the organization, and hence must be between the ages of 15 to 40.
• All current YOUTH ORGANISATIONS registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), like Boys’ Brigade Malaysia, will be required to register under the Registrar of Youth (ROY). The Registrar of Societies (ROS) will no longer register nor recognise any youth organizations.

Why should you be concerned?
Some facts that you need to consider carefully that will have an impact on the BB:

• Our members are from the ages of 6 (pre-junior) to above 40 years old (Officers, Captains, State Commissioners, BBM EXCO).
• What will happen to our members aged 14 and below? How about those above 40 years old? Will they still be our Members?
• For those above 40 (like the majority of our EXCO), if they still want to contribute to the Boys’ Brigade, how can they?
• Do we have enough willing Officers under 40 years old to take up state and national responsibilities?
• How about those BB Companies without any officers 40 and below?
• If BB is not registered under the ROY and no longer recognized by the ROS, can we still exist? Will we be recognised by the government? Can we go into schools?

What can you do?
Fellow BB members, the implications are serious and needs your serious thoughts and relevant action.

1. Please pray that God will be in control of this situation.
2. Pray that God will grant all attending the EGM (State and National) wisdom and courage to do what’s right for BBM’s future
3. Attend – or ensure that your company is represented at – the EGM
4. Spread the news of this far and wide so that all BB Members and Officers are fully aware of the situation and are playing their part in taking action
5. For Officers aged 20s and 30s, they need to come forward to take up office in the local company, state and national level.

For more information, please contact BBM HQ

Bandsman, Buglers & Drummers Award 2007

The results for the 2007 Bandsman, Buglers and Drummers awards are out. Please check it out at www.1stklbb.org.my.

Congratulations on your Promotions!

Congratulations on your Promotions!

• LCPL Adrian Yem
• LCPL Au Wai Soon
• LCPL Benny Tham
• LCPL Cheng Jack Kee
• LCPL Ng Heng Yip
• LCPL Richmond Kwong
  
  
• CPL Loi Kah Hoe
• CPL Ng Kee An
• CPL Ng Woei An

I hope you will live up to the responsibility entrusted to you and continue to inspire those around you! Keep up the excellent work.

Stedfast Association KL's Scholarships

Anyone pursuing tertiary education locally are encouraged to apply for the Stedfast Association KL's scholarships. These scholarships are definitely NOT limited to 1st KL Members only.

I believe they are open to all students who qualify - but being a BB Member is an advantage.

For more information, go here.

1st KL's "NEW" Website

1st KL Company is very happy to have "soft-launched" our web-blog, 1st For Boys!

Here, Members and potential Members, as well as Parents, can stay updated with the our latest news. You'll soon be able to download materials, forms and such as well.

We're constantly striving to improve the site, so your comments will be invaluable.

See you there!

BNTS 2006 (Kuala Lumpur) Results

These are the results from BNTS 2006. Passing mark is 50.

Those who passed are strongly advised to make plans to attend ANTS 2007, since it is a requirement for your NCO Star. This also applies for those who have NOT YET attended ANTS before.

Click here for more information on ANTS 2007

	Name			Company	Aptitude Test		Basic NCO Test
No.					Mark	Grade	Mark	Grade
1	Benny Tham Chew Hoi			1st KL	70	Pass	73	Pass
2	Cheng Jack Kee			1st KL	56	Pass	72	Pass
3	Julian Ong Wei Sern			1st KL	62	Pass	63	Pass
4	Justin Koit Zhu En			1st KL	68	Pass	50	Pass
5	Kelvin Wong Kok Hee			1st KL	52	Pass	34	Fail
6	Lee Tze Jiet			1st KL	80	Pass	70	Pass
7	Loi Kah Hoe			1st KL	84	Pass	85	Pass
8	Ng Heng Yip			1st KL	68	Pass	67	Pass
9	Thomas Choong Kit Leong			1st KL	66	Pass	52	Pass
10	Victor Choo Jern Liang			1st KL	74	Pass	46	Fail

National ANTS (Melaka) - 26-28 May 2007

The BBM Advanced NCO Training School (ANTS) is a national leadership training course specially designed for leaders who want to further improve themselves.

The successful completion of this course is also a requirement for the NCO Proficiency Star award.

When?
26 - 28 May 2007 (Saturday - Monday)_

Where?
SMK Methodist (ACS), Melaka

Entry requirements:
1) Must have passed Basic NCO Training School
2) Minimum age 15 years old, as of 1 January 2007

How much?
RM70.00 (before 9.00pm 10 May 2007)
RM90.00 (after 9.01pm, 10 May 2007 and before 9.00pm, 13 May 2007)


What to bring?

• Your signatured consent form
• Full Uniform and State T-shirt (August 26, 2006)
• Bible, sports attire and socks
• Sufficient day attire & rain coat
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, soap powder
• Canvas shoes
• Slippers, plastic cup, spoon & fork
• Rucksack, plastic bags, first aid kit, note book
• Must bring - mess tin,sleeping bag, torchlight and spare batteries

For more information,

• Download Fact Sheet and Consent Forms here(MS Excel Format)
  

Please feel free to contact Lt. Wong Giok Leigh if you have any further questions (or leave a comment in this blog post).

Stedfast Association Scholarship Forms Are Out

Referring to this earlier post, we are pleased to announced that the Stedfast Association Scholarship Forms are out for downloading and filling up!

• Download Stedfast Association Scholarship Governing Rules (MS Word format)
  
• Download Stedfast Association Scholarship Application Form (MS Word format)

Please return filled up forms to:
STEDFAST ASSOCIATION KUALA LUMPUR
c/o Menara Wesley, No. 2, Jalan Wesley, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

You may direct the forms to either Mr. Alfred Ong (Secretary) or Mr. Cheong Sing Yuen (Vice-President).

You may also contact the Secretary directly at 016-2018413, if you have further questions on the matter.

Grants and Scholarships from Stedfast Association, KL

This is to inform you that it is the time of the year where Stedfast Association of Kuala Lumpur is ready to accept any appeals for our grants or scholarships. The timeline is as follows:

1st April

Commencement of Stedfast Kuala Lumpur Scholarship appeals which must be submitted by using our Stedfast forms (a set of 3 copies). It can be downloaded from our website at www.stedfastkl.org.my AND to be submitted together with all relevant documents as required.

Please note that it is to their disadvantage if applications are not submitted in FULL as they will either be rejected or delayed.

30th April

Closing Date for Stedfast Kuala Lumpur Scholarship Applications.

5th May

Interview for all shortlisted applicants.

12th May

Awarding of Stedfast Scholarships after approval from Stedfast EXCO.

For those who are currently on our Stedfast scholarship/ loan awards scheme, please take note that they ARE REQUIRED to apply for 2007 together with their results, if possible. NOTHING IS AUTOMATIC OR GUARANTEED.

If you require any further information, you can either email to us or I can be contacted at 016-2018413.

Thank you.

Yours Stedfastly,

Alfred Ong

Secretary

STEDFAST ASSOCIATION KUALA LUMPUR
c/o Menara Wesley,
No. 2, Jalan Wesley,
50150 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.

KUL Games 2007!

KUL Games is back!

1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company will be participating in the KL State Boys Brigade Games Championship (KUL Games). As the defending Champions, our Boys are looking forward to a day of fun-filled competition to retain our KUL Games title!

Date
31 March 2007

Time
7:30am – 7:00pm

Venue
YMCA KL (click here for location map)
(Transportation to YMCA KL is NOT PROVIDED!)

Cost
RM10.00/person

Activities
Various sports including mini-football, volleyball, basketball, captainball, chess

Provided
Lunch, drinks throughout the day, games equipment

Bring
Sports Clothes, 1st KL T-Shirt, extra clothes, water, good sportsmanship

*Please be informed that our Pre-Junior Section (ages 6-8) WILL NOT be participating in this event, and therefore WILL NOT be meeting on 31 March 2007.

Contact W/O Tham Chwen Fhong at (016)-6589299 if you have any further questions.

KUL Games 2007 Schedule

Time	Activities
0700	Gathering
0730	Company Registration
0800	Opening Ceremony - Fanfare - Speech by Host Captain - Band Display - Speech by VIP - Declaration of KUL Games Opening - Oath Taking - Opening Prayer
0830	Warm up – Aerobic
0845	Teams preparation and Briefing
0900	Games Start - 5 on 5 Soccer (Field) - Volleyball (Volleyball court) - International Chess (Hall) - Basketball (Basketball court) - Captain Ball (Field)
1000	Mini Cinema (Classroom) Games Stalls
1200	Lunch Time
1330	Games Resume
1530	Semifinal (All games)
1630	Final (All games)
1730	Prize Giving Ceremony
1830	Home Sweet Home

Congratulations On Your Promotions!

Congratulations to

• Cpl. Yong Sai Hong
• LCpl. Justin Koit
• LCpl. Matthew Ooi
• LCpl. Ng Kee An
• LCpl. Loke Voon Ho
• LCpl. Loi Kah Hoe

Please know that the Officers are very proud that you have been promoted. Now, it's time for the real work to begin... Your promotions are not the END of your achievements, but the BEGINNING of what lies ahead!

Remember, we promoted you because we believed you possessed good:

1. Character (in BB, in school, at home)
2. Potential leadership abilities (in leading others)
3. BB Example (drill, uniform, attendance, enthusiasm ,participation, etc.)

So don't slack. You will only harm yourself and your credibility if you do (then you'll start wondering why the Boys don't listen to you or like you).

Awards Day 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would be very honoured if you would attend our Company Awards Day on Saturday, 24 March 2007 from 2:00pm to 5:30pm.

Awards Day is when our Boys receive their awards, which they have worked hard for the previous year, and are also recognized for their leadership potential with promotions in rank. Our Boys are eagerly anticipating this event, and we know it will be especially meaningful to them if you are present to witness their achievements.

We are also hosting a dialogue session between Officers and Parents on that day. This is to facilitate better understanding among all parties involved (Boys, Parents and Officers) so that we can work together for the development of our Boys. As a parent, your perspective, insight and feedback would be invaluable.

We certainly hope you will consider attending, and would appreciate it if you would confirm your attendance by filling in the slip below. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Cheong Sing Yuen (012-208 4420) or Mr. Yee Mun Theam (016-206 7811).

Sincerely,
1st Kuala Lumpur Boys Brigade Company

Download Response Slips Here

1st KL 2nd Quarter Programme (Apr-June) 2007

The latest Quarterly Calendar is out.

Please feel free to download it by clicking here, or from under "Up&Coming" section of the right-side menu.

YCC Day Outing Programme (10 March 2007)

• Download YCC Consent Form Here (required for participation)
• Download Isi Rimba Indemnity Form Here (required for participation)
• Download Info Memo Here

We are happy to inform you that the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys’ Brigade Company will be participating in the Kuala Lumpur Wesley Methodist Church (KLWMC) Youth Coordinating Committee’s (YCC) Day Outing to Kem Isi Rimba, Ulu Langat, Selangor on 10 March 2007.

The purpose of this outing is to encourage interaction among the various youth group members of KLWMC.

Date: 10 March 2007
Time: 7:30am – 6:30pm
Venue: Kem Isi Rimba, Ulu Langat, SELANGOR (more info here)
Activities: Paintball and Orienteering (Jungle Treasure Hunt)
Cost: RM20.00/1st KL BB Member (includes transportation, meal, snacks and drinks, activities)

Schedule
07:30 Registration & Division into Groups
08:00 Depart from Youth Center, Wesley Methodist Church
09:00 Arrival at Kem IsiRimba Entrance, Trek to Campsite
09:30 Welcome and Briefing (Safety Rules, etc.)
10:00 Activity Session 1: Orienteering/Paintball
13:00 Lunch Fellowship & Break
14:00 Activity Session 2: Orienteering/Paintball
17:00 Rest & Trek out to Kem IsiRimba Entrance
17:30 Depart Kem IsiRimba
18:30 Arrive at Youth Center, Wesley Methodist Church


Activity Details

1. Groups will be divided into 12 Groups. Each group will consist of 20 people or less.
2. During each Activity Session (1 & 2), 6 groups will play Paintball while the other 6 groups will go for Orienteering.
3. Paintball: Groups will play off each other in a Jungle Course. 70 pellets will be provided per player.
4. Orienteering: Essentially a Jungle-based Treasure Hunt.
5. During the day, snacks (biscuits) and water will be provided throughout.

Things to Bring

• Attire: Long Sleeved Shirts, Long Pants (that you can run in), Socks, Shoes, extra clothes
• Stuff: Water, Mosquito/Insect Repellent, Salt

Miscellaneous Information

• Due to the nature of the planned activities, all safety regulations stipulated by Kem IsiRimba personnel MUST be strictly adhered to BY EVERYONE. Failure to comply in any way will result in the removal of the participant from the programme.
• All health and dietary restrictions must be highlighted BEFORE all activities.
• All participants MUST fill in Kem Isi Rimba participation forms, waivers and indemnities. Failure to comply in any way will result in the removal of the participant from the programme.

• Download YCC Consent Form Here (required for participation)
• Download Isi Rimba Indemnity Form Here (required for participation)
• Download Info Memo Here

This Saturday (13 October 2006)

I hope you all had a great time during last week's Founder's Day! Good job to everyone!

Now, let's get back to our regularly scheduled programme!

Apart from our Regular Programme this Saturday, please note that:

• Target Award Exam will be conducted by Instr. Liew Hoi Kiat (Just in case you didn't realize it, here is some huge font to help you)
  
• Bugler's will be conducted by Lt. Lee Yew Heng
• Computer Knowledge will be conducted by S/Sgt. Chan How Theng
• Communications will be conducted by Lt. Wong Giok Leigh

See you this Saturday!

KL State Founder's Day Celebration 2006

This Saturday, 1st KL will be hosting the KL State Founder's Day Celebration!

It's going to be a great time of fun and fellowship, as we remember the man who taught the world how to spell Boy with a capital "B".

Here is some brief information to get your started.

Date: 7 October 2006
Time: 09:30am – 05:00pm
Venue: 1st KL Grounds: Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur & MBSSKL

ATTIRE

• Attire for the Opening Parade and Founder’s Day Service will be CEREMONIAL UNIFORM.
  
  
• Please bring two sets of extra clothes to change into (You will be getting a little wet in some of the games)

For more information, download the Briefing Pack here (PDF File).

See you there!

BNTS 2006 - KUALA LUMPUR

The BBM Basic NCO Training School (BNTS) is a national introductory-level leadership training course specially designed for new and potential leaders.

The skills gained from this course include event planning, budgeting, leading activities and various other vital lessons that are essential to leadership.

The successful completion of this course is also a requirement to attend the Advance NCO Training School (ANTS).

When?
9:00am, Wednesday, 23 August 2006 to 4:00pm, Friday, 25 August 2006

Where?
Sekolah Menengah St. Gabriel, Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur

How much?
RM85.00 before August 14, 2006
RM105.00 between 14 - 23 August, 2006
The fee includes accomodation, meals, course materials, certificate, T-Shirt & training.

Who qualifies?
1) Must have passed Target Award
2) Minimum age is 12 years old, as on 1 January 2006.

What to bring?

• Full Uniform (Members must have full sets of Uniform including mufti)
• Bible, sports attire and socks
• Sufficient day attire
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, soap powder
• Sports shoes
• Slippers, plastic cup, spoon & fork
• Rucksack, plastic bags, first aid kit, note book
• Must bring - sleeping bag, torchlight and spare batteries

For more information,

• Download fact sheet & consent form here (MS Excel Format)

Please note that the 1st KL Members MUST return consent forms and payment to Lt. Wong Giok Leigh by 12 August 2006. This is to allow for additional administrative procedures to ensure that your participation is properly and accurately recorded.

Please feel free to contact Lt. Wong Giok Leigh if you have any further questions (or leave a comment in this blog post).

4th Kajang Company's Enrolment & Awards Day

It is always wonderful to share in the joy of our fellow BB-mates during their Awards & Enrolment Day!

Therefore, if any 1st KL Member wishes to attend this special occasion of the 4th Kajang Boys' Brigade Company, please indicate so by either:

• Contacting your Squad Leader/NCO
• Contacting Lt. Wong Giok Leigh

Here are the details:

• Date : 27 August 2006
• Worship : 8: 30 am sharp
• Time : 11:00 am
• Venue : Kajang Life Chapel,
  1, Jalan Muhibbah 3,
  Taman Muhibbah ,
  43000 Kajang , Selangor.

If you have more questions, please contact:

• Capt . Calvin Lim (4th Kajang Coy) - 012-2095496
• W/O Wang Po Ling (4th Kajang Coy ) - 012-2666067