In His Uniform (Gan Teong Wee, 1985-2003)

I am remembering Gan Teong Wee.

I wrote this eulogy when I heard about his death during my second jaunt in the US, in pursuit of my Master's Degree. I remember writing it with gritted teeth - partially because I was shocked and grieving, partially because I was angry at God for letting it happen, and partially because I was going through a dark period in my soul.

The news was pouring in over phone, email and ICQ/Messenger (we didn't have Facebook in 2003) and it was a terrible time. Yet, throughout, perhaps in reflection of Teong Wee's life - there were bright sparks and moments to rejoice. He was a great kid... and perhaps it was right that his death, though heart-wrenching (how is it that a good kid suddenly dies at the age of 18?!?), was a catalyst for many great and inspiring things. 

The title of my eulogy came from when I was informed by dear Brother and fellow-Officer Lee Yew Heng that, just before passing away, Teong Wee was very insistent that he be cremated in his Boys' Brigade uniform. That... really got to me (and still does, even now).  

In His Uniform 
By Wong Giok Leigh

On 23 January 2003, Corporal Gan Teong Wee passed away peacefully to be with His Best Friend, Jesus Christ. He was an upstanding member of the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys' Brigade Company. He was bright with potential, an honoured leader and a very dear friend. His passing, like his life, left a very deep impression on those who knew and loved him.

No one can understand why exactly all this had to happen. Sometimes, there are more questions than there are answers. We can only look up to God and to our future Hope. But we learned lessons from his life and his passing.

We learned that life is short. At any time in our life, whether young or old, it can all come to an end. Sometimes, it is expected. At other times it comes as a shock. Whichever way it is, however, we live with limited time. What we do with that time, makes a difference to our lives.

We also learned that we must live life in a way that makes it worth living for. Most people just go through life. They exist. They do not live. They wake up, go to school or work, come home, earn good grades or a good paycheck, then go to sleep. They wake up and do it all over again; every day of the week, every week of the month, and every month of the year. Maybe they make a stop to get married or have children, but life is just existence.

 

   

Teong Wee did not live that way. He numbered his days and gained a heart of wisdom. He lived in grace and with a passion to know Jesus. He pursued his interests - not just selfish pleasures that are so common today - but interests that were used to serve others. He started learning the guitar and would practice to play for Company worship. He also expressed his desire to play for the Church Praise & Worship Service.

Maybe that's why his passing is so difficult for us. He had potential. We could see how far he could have gone from the way he had already lived. Even now, after his passing, he has made us pause to reflect on the value and impact of our lives, while we are still alive.

How many of us live a life that is worth living for ? How many of us live lives that inspire others ?

His funeral was a touching one.

It showed what Boys' Brigade should really be like. It's not about the activities. It's not about how much money we raise or the number of Members we have. It's not even about the awards or competitions won. It's about friends...friends who stick closer than brothers. It's about being a family.

The band played two songs at the funeral service. One of them was the Cantonese pop song, "Friends". It is an old song and we already knew how to play it well. But this time, it was different. This time, it wasn't a song to be played for display or for competition. There was no money to be earned, nor a trophy to be gained. It was a song played for a friend... a comrade... a brother.

At his funeral, we cried. We did not cry for a good band member. We did not cry for an excellent NCO. We cried that day for a brother whom we had grown up with, and whom we will not get to see again until we reach Heaven.

As an Officer, I learned one great thing from Teong Wee amidst all the tears and questions. He taught me that the Boys' Brigade is worth it. Every tear shed, every drop of sweat, every sleepless night counts towards a life. A life that is changed for the better. A life that is touched by Jesus. A life that becomes worth living for, and sometimes, even worth dying for.

He showed me the true value of what the Boys' Brigade can mean to someone. At his passing, I was told that he wanted to be in his BB uniform. I was told that he looked "satisfied" when he was in his BB uniform.

The Boys' Brigade is still relevant today, even after 120 years. It will touch lives, as long as we keep giving ourselves to following Jesus and serving our Members. We may not see it any time soon. In fact, some days, it is easier to resign. But my friends, "...my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

You will know that your labout in the Lord is not in vain. Never in vain.

Thank you, Teong Wee, for teaching me and inspiring me. May God find me a "good and faithful servant" when I finally see you again. Until then, we will continue to look towards our Hope as an anchor of the soul, both Sure and Stedfast, and which will enter the Presence behind the veil.

We'll see you again.
   
At his funeral, Corporal Gan Teong Wee was surrounded by loved ones, including members and officers of the 1st Kuala Lumpur Boys' Brigade Company. As his body was committed, one of his best friends blew the Last Post. A General's Salute was given in his honour. We will miss him, but we will also look forward to seeing him once more.

 Corporal Gan Teong Wee was cremated in his BB uniform and his ashes were thrown into the sea.    

This article also appeared in the Berita Anchor March 2003 issue.

Remembering Gan Teong Wee (1985-2003)

One of the saddest, yet inspiring, things that has ever been associated to my tenure and ministry as a Boys Brigade Officer concerns Gan Teong Wee. He had only just turned 18 years old a few days prior to when he succumbed to an illness that took him away from us suddenly.

In fact, I had just arrived in the US for a second time to pursue my Master's Degree when I received urgent emails to pray for his recovery. A few days later, as sudden as the onset of the illness had been, Teong Wee had passed on. I remember raging against God - I was going through one of the darkest periods in my life and this, I thought, was "the icing on the cake".

It during that time, that I also made a promise to myself and to God that I would never be "God's spokesperson" again - not in the evangelistic sense of the word, but in the apologetic sense. I would never spin stories or play PR for him - He would have to be God or He would not. I would not look at a situation like this and assure others that "God had a plan" or that "it was going to be alright" or some such nonsense. Thankfully, looking back, it turns out that I didn't have to be God's spin doctor anyway - He did a great job speaking for Himself (this would be worth another post). 

Teong Wee's passing had a big impact on many of us - as Officers and especially his peer group. He was a wonderful Boy with great Character, a caring Leader, and a true Brother in every sense of the word. In fact, just thinking about him as I write this, I realised that it was him who helped me crystalize "The Book of Wong" (I'll tell you about it in another post).

This year, he would have been 26 - and in my estimation, an excellent young man. He would probably be making great headway in his career and I would hope that he would have continued serving in 1st KL as an inspirational Officer... because I know he had the potential to do it. 

Thank you Teong Wee. It has been 9 years since we said "Goodbye" but your impact - as it would appear with this posting - still remains.

Family: Band of Brothers (New Straits Times)

2010/05/28
INTAN MAIZURA AHMAD KAMAL

Lt Wong of the first KL Boys’ Brigade and his band of brothers are raring to get their names into the Malaysian Book of Records

Boyhood bonds formed during days with the Boys’ Brigade transcend time. Wong Giok Leigh of the 1st KL Boys’ Brigade tells INTAN MAIZURA AHMAD KAMAL more.

I’D always wanted to be part of a uniform association when I was young. I had good friends who were in the Brownies and prospective boyfriends in the Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to be in either.

I used to listen wide eyed as they regaled me with tales of camping exploits, of knots they learnt to tie and the fun they hadwhile I was stuck at home, my violin propped under my chin and pretending to be virtuoso violinist Vivaldi.

So when Lt Wong Giok Leigh of the 1st KL Boys’ Brigade (founded in 1954) began to wax lyrical about life in the Brigade, I knew exactly where he was coming from.

Who needs video games when you can be out there bonding with fellow brothers and doing your bit for the community?

Take the Brigade’s involvement with the Dutch Lady Malaysia’s Largest Milk Drinking Event, organised in celebration of World Milk Day 2010 for example.

Together with nutrition advocates Persatuan Pengakap Malaysia, Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia, Malaysian Red Crescent Society as well as various car clubs and cyclist groups and AMP radio stations and their cruisers, Wong and his “boys” will be on hand to aid Dutch Lady Malaysia in this United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation initiative to give away 250,000 limited edition milk packs to celebrate the global importance of milk.

“They’re thrilled to be a part of something so big,” says KL-born Wong, a communications personnel with a bank. “It’s the world’s largest milk drinking event so they’ll have a part in the Malaysian Book of Records. They won’t forget this in a long time.”

Memories formed with the Boys Brigade, which has 9,000 or more members nationwide, never leave you, says Wong, who joined when he was 12 at the encouragement of his friends.

At 31, this former KL Methodist Boys’ School pupil continues to be a part of the organisation, helping to nurture young boys towards adulthood.

Are uniform associations still relevant these days, I ask, referring to the younger generation’s penchant for hanging out at mamak stalls or the malls for bonding sessions?

“Definitely,” nods the father of two boys.

“An interesting point was brought up by a presenter during a market research study talk on social media that I attended recently. He pointed out that technology may change but people generally remain the same.

“In their teens, our boys are looking for identity. How they look for it depends on the time they’re living in. Maybe they use Facebook, but at the heart of it, they’re still trying to discover themselves.”

The set-up at the Boys’ Brigade, with their character-building activities and strong support network, are conducive to helping the youngsters discover themselves.

“My colleagues and I volunteer a lot of our time here, and we find that the kids end up confiding in us. They know we’re here for them.”

That aside, Wong acknowledges that more can be done for the organisation to remain relevant.

One such endeavour can be seen with the Boys’ Brigade in the UK which launched the Video Games award. The KL counterpart, meanwhile, recently came up with LAN (Local Area Network) parties.

“We brought some computers, hooked them up and let the boys play. It’s definitely a step up from the hide-and-seek in the dark!"

He is not against traditional games.

“Urban kids, despite toys and malls, actually find our activities exciting because they’re new to them. You don’t get the same kind of thrills from video games.”

Parents should let their kids have some adventure, he suggests.

“Don’t fret too much about them wilting under the sun or getting dirty! Their life shouldn’t just be about piano lessons or tuition. There are jungles and beaches to discover, trumpets to play and friends to knock about! I think these are the things that parents forget as they become more urbanised and ‘sanitised’.”

Being a part of uniform organisations such as the Boys’ Brigade allows the young to revel in adventure and instils in them timeless values. For Wong, he learnt leadership skills here.

“The system provides ample leadership opportunities. When you come in at 13, you spend a year learning the environment. At 14, you’re tasked with organising a camp. By 15, you start taking care of your squad members. It grows from there. I learnt how to deal with people and make decisions.”

You also build character.

“Social activities that are fun but they don’t actually make you a better person,” says Wong. “Here, we talk about values and respecting parents. Youngsters are guided.”

The deep sense of brotherhood is something Wong holds dearest.

“Our school days may be over but we remain great friends. This is the place where genuine friendships are formed. There’s no hierarchy. We take care of each other.”

NB: World Milk Day 2010 will be launched at Pavilion KL today, with celebrations from 10am to 10pm. There’ll be celebrity appearances and performances, distribution of free milk packs and a charity sale, with all proceeds going to Yayasan Nur Salam.

Read more: Family: Band of brothers

Happy 55th Anniversary, 1st KL!

To my beloved 1st KL - Boys and Officers,

Many happy and many more returns as you celebrate your 55th Year of Ministry.

Keep on being the "1st for Boys"!

Thanks for helping me mold
my Character,
my Leadership
and giving me a Brotherhood for Life!

The Big Red Button: What are you going to do?

Knowing you fellas, I *know* what you're going to do...




(Put The Big Red Button on your site)

Would You Miss The BB If It No Longer Existed?

Wow... I realized I have blogged more today than I have in a long, long time - must be the many things running through my mind recently.

Speaking of which, one of the things running through my mind has been this question:

Would we really, REALLY miss the BB if it no longer existed?

This question becomes more and more pertinent as we navigate how the Youth Act 2007 affects us (though I'm pretty sure we'll "survive"... somehow).

But then, the follow-up question really hit me:

If yes, then why aren't we doing something about it?

I can't tell you how disappointed I feel that, for all our b!tc#ing about the Youth Act and how the "old guard" is still trying desperately to "cling on to power" - there are so few of us who are willing to do our part - to offer solutions and not just state problems.

A recent state EGM saw yet more individuals "forced" into responsibilities they wouldn't take up on their own accord.

I'm reminded of a Captain who was literally in tears, begging not to be made the State Commissioner.

Honestly, I truly sympathise... I do. I've got a family, a kid, a home and household, a challenging job, a fledgling business, church responsibilities, etc.

Sigh... I don't know. I really do wonder.

I make no secret of the fact that one of the MAJOR reasons why I still serve actively in the BB is because I have "no answer" to do otherwise, especially in light of the example led by my current Captain - father of three growing children, owner of a growing business, co-owner of another business with his wife, church member, and all sorts of former State and National responsibilities. He has served in the BB for more than 20 years as an Officer, not counting his years as a Boy.

I know I'm not him. I'm not even called to be him - but really, if you really had any integrity of your own, could you look straight into his eyes and say, "Gosh, I need a break"?

As he says, "Serving in BB is, ultimately, a choice we make. Where there's a will, there's a way."

Great Stuff From CD's Blog

CD is formerly(?) from 1st Penang Company and an acquaintance I just "bumped" into online... and I'm certainly glad for it! He's got some thought-provoking insights about life in the BB, which I hope you will be blessed reading:

• What Have I Learnt???
• BB, Drill and I
• Is NCO Needed in BB??
• BB, GB & Girls' Wing
• Sixteen Years Of Distorted Gender Equality

Happy Birthday to my friend Po Ling!

Dear Po Ling,

Thank you for your partnership in the Boys' Brigade ministry. Many happy returns as you celebrate your birthday today!

What I Did This Saturday

Sometimes I wonder why people say "BB is boring."

Just for this weekend:

I organized the KL State Basic NCO (Leader's) Training School.

I taught "Squad Management" and "Understanding Discipline" to the trainees.

I continued organizing the annual 1st KL Company Camp (on 4th-8th Dec 2008).

I tried planning Officers/personnel porfolios for 2009.

I got elected as State Council Chairman for KL.

Gosh. I really need to cut back on this eventful life.

Please pray for me... I'm feeling overwhelmed.

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

Away on 17 May 2008

Officer Wong will be absent from 1st KL Parade on Saturday, 17 May 2008 due to some family obligations.

1st KL programmes will carry on as planned, with my Communications (Adv) Award being conducted by Mr. John Cheah.

Please contact my fellow Officer-colleagues about other 1st KL related matters during my absence. Otherwise, you can leave a comment on this post and I'll get back to you as soon as I am able to.

Blessings!

Passionate Rant

I'm glad that there 1st KL leaders who are still passionate like this.

My dear LVH - thank you for your passion. Let's continue working to the best that we can - to form character, develop leadership and encourage brotherhood in all our Boys, both the faithful ones... and the ones who are "not".

We'll do it by living out examples worth following and being true Brothers - who are always welcoming but also aren't afraid to "challenge" what we think are wrong with each other.

I hope you'll keep your passion burning bright - till the day you hopefully wear White. ;)

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.

There are days I wonder whether I'm talking to the wind...

There are days in BB I really feel like I'm "talking to the wind".

No, not necessarily because I think the Boys are not listening - more to the opinion that I'm not getting through. Maybe I didn't "prepare" enough or maybe I just don't "connect" well enough to them.

But then, if I have even *one* response like this to the things that I do in BB... I thank God. Maybe I'm not talking to the wind, after all.

Thanks, YSH. Boys like you continue to encourage me in my service to the Lord, through our beloved BB ministry.

Happy Mother's Day!

To my dearest mum:

Thank you for tirelessly supporting my participation in the BB way back when I started, on a whim, in 1991. For driving me to all my Parade meetings (almost) every Saturday. For waking up and driving me down when I had Band Functions, outings or camps that began early in the morning. For paying for all the uniform, uniform parts, boots, polishing materials, Pesta, camps, outings, and various other fees incurred. For giving me pocket money so that I could freely take the bus and eat lunch with friends before Saturday parade. For being the one who smilingly presented my President's Award to me, even though I was Form 5 and should have been studying for SPM. For supporting my decision to continue serving in the BB even during college years and now, as an Officer in my adult years. For driving with dad to meet me in Port Dickson when my car broke down during an Officers' Retreat (I must have been a SSGT then?)... and for switching cars with me and driving back with dad all the way back to KL without air-conditioning (stupid alternator broke down!).

My goodness... and this is only *some* of the things you lovingly did for me in *BB*. It would be impossible to try listing EVERYTHING you did for me as a son!

Thank you so much. I love you.

To my dearest wife, the mother of my son:

Thank you for supporting me in my ministry as an Officer to a ragtag bunch of Boys every Saturday. For being willing to part with a "husband" and a "father" for more than 6 hours (almost) every Saturday and, sometimes, for days at a time when I'm away for camps, training courses or BCM. Thank you for holding up the fort of our family while I'm away. For washing my uniform and having it ironed for me. For allowing me to spend part of my income - which we use to support our family - on the Boys. Thank you for continually giving me advice and feedback on the way I handle myself as an Officer, Christian, mentor and "elder brother" to my 1st KL comrades and Boys. I know they have benefited from you more than they realize.

And, like my tribute to my mum, I realize these are just a *few* of the things you've lovingly supported me with in my ministry as a BB Officer. Were I to list down everything you've supported me with as a husband, there wouldn't be enough space in all the servers across the cyberworld to contain it.

So, thank you, my beloved. Without you, I would not be who I am today. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day to the two most important mothers in my life!