Rencana-Rencana/ Articles

Biographical Sketches in Local English Papers

Khoo Kay Kim*

Abstrak: Kajian biografi tidak menjadi suatu ciri yang biasa dalam pengajian sejarah Malaysia.Oleh itu untuk mengatasi masalah kekurangan data, perhatian ditumpukan kepada kegunaanbahan dalam bentuk sketsa biografi yang sering dikeluarkan di akhbar Bahasa Inggeristempatan, terutama sekali akhbar sebelum Perang Dunia Kedua. Sepuluh contoh biografi diberidi sini. Para tokoh dipilih dari segenap lapisan masyarakat Malaysia. Dari segi bidang merekaini terdiri dari berbagai kedudukan. Melalui kareer individu-individu, para penyelidik sejarahboleh memperolehi perspektif yang lebih tepat bagi masa lampau.

Abstract: Because biographical studies are not a common feature of Malaysian historiography,there is a need to supplement the lack of such data by a greater use of material in the form ofbiographical sketches which frequently appeared in the local English newspapers, especiallybefore World War II. Ten examples of such biographical sketches are given here. Thepersonalities selected derived from a cross-section of the Malaysian society and, occupationally,stemmed from various walks of life. Often it is through the careers of individuals that the studentof history is able to obtain a better perspective of the past.

Biographical studies are, comparatively, an un-common aspect of Malaysian historiography. Thefew that exist, however, do deal with both Europeansand local personalities. In the case of Europeans,attention, until more recently, was focused on prima-rily the administrators, including persons such asStamford Raffles and James Brooke. Those whobelonged to the commercial sector have hardlybeen studied, whether pioneers of the rubber indus-try (such as E.V. Carey of Carey Island fame) orleaders of the tin mining industry (such as F.D.Osborneof Osborne & Chappel, a well-known company basedin the Kinta District). Studies on non-European per-sonalities have been even fewer except in the caseof graduation exercises/theses, many of which haveyet to be published.

But, after having said all that, it is Important tomention that some useful contributions have beenmade by a few persons,largely resident In Singapore,who produced, within a space of about a decade,three tomes giving Invaluable biographical sketchesof prominent Malayan (in fact, mostly Singaporean)personalities. The first of these, Twentieth Centurylttuxesslons of British Malaya (edited by Arnold Wrightand H.A. Cartwright) -- is so comprehensive thatalmost all those who mattered, among members ofthe official and business communities in Malaya, found

a niche in the book. But, since the book was publish-ed in the early part of the 20th century, the subsequentyears have hitherto been neglected except for theSingapore scenario, up to about 1919, which iscovered in Song Ong Siang's One Hundred Yearsof the Chinese in Singapore and One Hundred Yearsof Singapore (editors: Walter Makepeace, Dr. GilbertE. Brooke, and Roland St. J. Braddell).

In more recent years there has been a tendencyin Malaysian historiography, firstly, to ignore indivi-duals and to concentrate on class formation, and,secondly, to elevate the common people (workers inparticular) to greater prominence instead of the elitegroups. But a proper understanding of any societyrequires, indeed, a more balanced perception of thetotal society.

Major changes occurred in Peninsular Malaysiabeginning from about the turn of the 19th century.Commercial development marked the beginning ofthis process of change. Mining and commercial agri-culture followed. There was massive immigration asa result, followed by the establishment of Britishadministration which led to even greater economicdevelopment, transforming radically the landscapeof the country. The society became very complex bythe beginning of the 20th century.

• Professor, History Department, University of Malaya

Kekal Abadi 10(4) Dlsember 1991

What happened in the 19th century is now, gene-rally, well-known. But the history of the 20th century,especially the years 1900-1945, remains relativelyvague. The broad pattern of development may notbe terra incognita, but, for those who live in Malaysia,a much more intimate view of the past is necessaryif only because the present generation is descendedfrom those who played pioneering roles in the deve-lopment of the country. And there is also the need tounderstand cultural contact, accommodation as wellas conflict, the very ingredients of which the Malay-sian society is composed.

Each little area has its own, perhaps rather paro-chial, perception of the past. Unfortunately, even thisis becoming more vague with the passage of time.But each settlement developed with the help ofthose who were more enterprising, sometimes simplymore fortunate, than others. Successful business-men, in general, were, however, more than just em-ployers; so often they were also philanthropists; inparticular, they kept the local schools (especiallythe non-Government-assisted ones) going. They in-vested in property and helped the towns to grow. Butbecause there have been so few studies of the historyof towns, students of Malaysian history have been littleexposed to the history of entrepreneurs.

There were other personalities too, some accre-dited leaders of the local community: they sat in thelocal or state or federal councils; many of these wereJustices ofthe Peace. Some were informal leaders (ofa particular group or class); others played importantroles within guilds and associations. Most of themnormally donated liberally towards charity.

Those who served in the local councils (calledsanitary boards in the Malay states before WorldWar II) occasionally had their names commemorat-ed: roads were named after them. But, with the historybooks silent on these persons, they were soon forgot-ten. In recent years, many of these names have beenremoved and replaced with, in some instances, thenames of politicians. To some extent then the past hasbeen obliterated.

Malaysian history, like the history of any othersociety, can be looked at in roughly two ways. Onecan take a bird's eye-view in which case one merelysees the broad outline or general pattern. For out-siders this is perhaps the more convenient approach.But for those who would like to have a deeper under-standing of a society, there is a need to adopt adifferent approach, namely, to try to look at it 'with a

2

magnifying glass' in order that its peculiarities anduniqueness will become more evident. Biographicalstudies are ex1remely useful in this respect.

There are, of course, practical difficulties. In asociety where major biographical studies are notthat common for various reasons, among which isthe unwillingness of the personality himself or hisdescendants to expose his private life to public scru-tiny, perhaps part of this shortcoming can be over-come by falling back on information which is alreadyavailable publicly. Malaysian historiography issomewhat fortunate in that, in the past, the localEnglish newspapers offered very useful biographi-cal sketches of various personalities. Such data areusually brief but they still enable the student of historyto obtain a perspective which would otherwise bewanting if the information was totally unavailable.

Below are ten examples (arranged in alphabeti-cal order) of such biographical sketches, all culledfrom past newspapers. The samples have not beenchosen at random. For one thing, the subjects chosenrepresent a cross-section of the society: business-men, community leaders, members of various officialbodies as well as one Malay ruler. They derived fromvarious ethnic groups; some of them were born over-seas. All of them have an important bearing on Malay-sian historiography in the sense that, through thesebiographical sketches, it is possible to understand alittle more of the uniqueness of Malaysian history andsociety.

All of them are practically unknown in Malaysianhistoriography. But some of them, such as Goh HockHuat and Yong Pak Kook were pioneers in certainfields. Others such as Capt. N.M. Hashim and S.M.Zainal Abidin are examples of the 'modern Malay'whose contribution to the upliftment and education ofMalay society deserves to be better known in view ofthe tendency, in Malaysian historiography, hitherto, tohighlight only the political activists. L.A. Chitty andS.D. Scully represent two of the more colourful groupsof Malaysian society: the Melaka chitty (the Indianversion of the Melaka baba) and the Eurasians. SultanBadlishah (brother of Malaysia's first Prime Minister,Tunku Abdul Rahman) too had a unique career in thathe had actually served in the Thai administration inhis youth and was subsequently considered a finan-cial officer of no mean repute. H.H. Abdool Cader(Sir) and R.E. Mohamed Kassim were two IndianMuslims whose careers help to provide a perspectiveof the extensive involvement of members of theircommunity (though a distinct minority) in both public

and professional/commercial life. Dato Lee KongLam belonged to the second generation of Chineseleaders in Kuala Lumpur hitherto given scant attentionin local history because succeeding generations ofhistorians have continued to focus on the first gene-ration, namely, Yap Ah Loy, Yap Ah Shak and YapKwan Seng.

Finally, it is important to note merely that theseten names are among at least a couple of hundred(some, of course, only very briefly) which are availa-ble in the English newspapers of earlier years. Therewas a time when they 'were giants' in the eyes oftheir own communities. Certainly it would be verydifficult to study Malaysian history in any depth with-out a knowledge of the roles played by these person-alities in various aspects of Malaysian life.

Biographical Sketches

H.H. Abdool Cader (Sir, after World War II)

... Husein Hasanally Abdool Cader -- to give hisfull name -- was born on September 1, 1890, in thehistoric town of Surat -- the first English settlement inIndia and at one time the seat of a Presidency of theEast India Company, which in time developed intothe Presidency of Bombay and of the British Empirein India. He is the eldest son of Mr. Hasanally AbdoolCader, a Justice of the Peace of the Settlement ofPenang, a prominent businessman and leader ofthe Bombay Mohammedan community in, and forseveral years a resident of, that island. He has, be-sides the subject of this article, another son, and fivedaughters. It will be gratifying to know that the newIndian member [of the Straits Legislative Council)received his early scholastic training locally -- in theRaffles School, Singapore, and in the Penang FreeSchool. In May, 1905, he proceeded to England forhigher education, joining the County High School inIIford. Having an aptitude for the law, Mr. AbdoolCader, after his matriculation in 1908, joined Lincoln'sInn, London, and Christ's College, Cambridge Univer-sity. He took up the Law Trlpos, and in 1912, he wascalled to the Bar. It is interesting to note that on March11 of the same year, he had the honour of beingpresented to His Majesty King George V. Whilst inEngland, Mr. Abdool Cader was a member of theNational Indian Association, London -- an organisa-tion in whose activities he took a great interest. April,1912, saw him back in Penang and in November ofthat year, he was admitted to the Straits SettlementsBar; in 1915 hewasadmitted tothe F.M.S. bar, so that

he is an advocate and solicitor of the Supreme Courtsin the Straits and States. Professionally, he com-mands an extensive practice in Penang and in theProvince. Socially, he is well-known in the northernsettlement: he is the President of the United IndianAssociation, Penang. A man of versatile attainmentshaving travelled extensively on the Continent and inIndia, holding a certificate for French from that distin-guished body, the Royal Society of Arts, London, akeen tennis player and at one time an ardent socce-rite, while rowing forms yet another hobby of his -- hisappointment to the Colony's Legislature ... is a strokeof wise statesmanship. [The Malaya Tribune, 24 July,1928) .

Sultan Badlishah

H.H. Tunku Badlishah, K.B.E., C.M.G. was madeK.C.M.G. inthe New Year Honours. Hewas530nJuly29, 1947 [official birthday). The seventh son of SultanAbdul Hamid Halim Shah, he was born at Alor Staron 10th Ramadzan (March 17, 1894).

He received his early ed ucation at the Jalan BahruVernacular School, Alar Star. At a very tender age hewas adopted by H.M. King Rama VI (then CrownPrince) and proceeded to Bangkok where he enteredthe King's College.

He soon made a name for himself in the field ofsports and played as the right wing in the CollegeSoccer XI.

After having completed his studies in Siam, hewas sent to England (in 1912) at the King's ownexpense. He latter entered Wad ham College, Oxford(in 1916) and took an active part in sports, particularlytennis.

He also spent a few years in France and onreturning to Siam was posted to the Privy PurseDepartment. In a short time he had won severaldecorations including the title of Phra Srirurindra-vigengs.

He married Tengku Sepiah a daughter of H.H.the late Tunku Mahmud K.B.E., C.M.G., in 1924 inAlor Star.

In 1926 at the request of his father he was allowedto return to Kedah where he took up the appointmentof State Treasurer, Kedah, on December 23, 1936.

3

On March 10, 1934, his wife who, travelling withhim, was killed in a motor accident.

On March 7, 1935, on the demise of his brotherTunku Mohamed, he succeeded to the title of RajaMuda ... and in the same year was married to H.H.Tunku Asma, a daughter of H.H. the late SultanSulaiman of Trengganu.

In 1936, he was made C.M.G. On November 5,1937, TunkuMahmudK.B.E.,C.M.G., Regent of Kedah,died and he was proclaimed Regent. He was made aK.B.E. on July 11,1941.

On the demise of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shahon May 13, 1943, he succeeded to the throne on May15,1943.

It has been said of him that 'his greatest asset asa ruler is his understanding'. To this must be added his·proved ability as an administrator and high sense ofduty. A man with profound religious leanings he hasthe confidence, love and reverence of his people.[Times of Malaya, 1 January 1948]

L.A. Chitty

He is a Trustee of the Hindu Temple, the Vice-President of the Malacca Indian Club and the Hono-rary Treasurer of the Straits Settlements (Malacca)Association. He was born in Malacca in 1878.

His father was B.L. Chitty who came of an oldMalacca Indian family known as 'Tamby Nagura'.L.A. received his education at the High School [Mela-ka] and leaving school began his career in the legalfirm of Messrs. S.R. Groom & Co.; in 1894, he wastransferred to another legal firm in Singapore knownas Messrs. C.R. Hoffmiester. He severed his connec-tions with this firm and joined a mercantile firm inSingapore known as Messrs. Ann Bee & Co. Leavingthis firm, he returned to Malacca and joined the staffof the Malacca Municipality as a clerk in 1897. Havingworked for two years, he left to serve the EducationDepartment as a teacher in the Central School, Singa-pore. He returned to Malacca once more in 1902 andbecame a Bailiff in the Supreme Court, Malacca. Afterserving ten years in this capacity he finally said good-bye to subordinate duties when he started on his ownbusiness as an Auctioneer and Appraiser. He suc-cessfully managed this business until 1928 when itwas merged into Messrs. Ching Keng Lee & Co. Ltd.of which he is the Managing Director in Malacca.

4

The subject of Indian representation in the Munici-pal Commission engaged the attention of MalaccaIndians since a few years ago.

L.A. Chitty's ancestors arrived in Malacca severaldecades ago. [Malacca Guardian, 11 July, 1932]

Goh Hock Huat

The most successful men unfortunately do notreveal the secret of their success; and if we do notreject criticisms on paintings from men who them-selves have never handled a brush, nor refused tofollow directions of a guide-post though it has neverhopped off upon its one leg and travelled the road itindicates, the writer offers the exemplary career of Mr.Goh Hock Huat as ample guidance to the aspiring andobserving youth along his road to the goal of hiswishes.

[Born in 1884], deprived of his parents a few yearsafter his birth in Penang ... the little orphan, Goh HockHuat, was placed as a boarder under the care of theChristian Brothers at that great Insitution, the St.Xavier's, where his record was rather one of a dreamerdreaming day dreams than a scholar wit -- a flair forlearning.

One of his admirable qualities was the record ofexcellent conduct in school, and hewas so liked for hismanners and his prowess in the field of sport, espe-cially in football, that when he completed his SeventhStandard, then considered advanced learning, andintended to leave, he was offered and accepted thework of a clerk in the school. But Goh Hock Huat wasnot a boy content with a clerical position. His ambitionwas to do business. And so it began with the runningof a confectioner's shop in the school, approved bythe Christian Brothers as a distinct privilege to him. Hisgrasp of the psychology of children, was proved bythe phenomenal success of his trade in the schoolwhich in a few years earned him a profit, which hetoday confessed but few would believe, of not lessthan five thousand dollars. This, he explained, wasmade possible by the fact that he retailed the goodsconsiderably cheaper than were obtainable at theprovision stores in Penang, resulting in his attractingmore customers from outside than from inside theschool. The money he earned in school was hisnucleus of a fortune that followed.

Mr. Goh Hock Huat was about twenty-five years ofage when he joined the famous Chinese caterers of

those days, Messrs. Thean Chee Company, as assist-ant manager. Two years later, the firm went intoliquidation. Mr. Hock Huat was appointed the liquida-tor of the firm.

He had, by this time, saved a little fortune, andwas led by his ambitions to sally forth in search ofgreater affluence in the adventurous field of mining atTronoh, Perak, where three years iater, he discover-ed that tin was not a product that grows but was purelya speculation he did not relish.

It cost him a part of his small wealth, and he left forKlang and settled there as a rubber planter in a smallway. A few years there, he became a popular memberof the Chinese community and being recognized as avery trustworthy man of sound business ability, hewas invited to the management of a large syndicateformed by Chinese capitalists engaged in opening upnew estates and general rubber dealing, known asChop Swee Heng Leong, which formerly owned thepresent well-known Ulu Benut RubberCo. Ltd. Hisfirstten years' connection with the firm marked a greatsuccess, profits aggregating over a million dollars tothe partners who paid him handsomely by way ofbonus from time to time, and admitted him as apartner. His admission, however, saw the reverse offortune, for in the slump of 1921/1922, the firm of SweeHeng Leong was almost on the rocks with the loss ofmore than everything it had made in the preceding tenyears. On its long list of creditors, thanks to three ofthem who came forward to the syndicate's rescue

. with an advance between them of fifty thousanddollars, the business was enabled to carry on. And thebusiness more than carried on, for from the recoveryof the slump up to the end of 1928, dividends exceed-lng two million dollars were paid to the partners; onlyto fall prey to more vicissitudes in the economicconvulsion of the years 1930/1931.

In between these years, Mr. Goh Hock Huat, notthe man who keeps his eggs in one basket, hadinvested extensively after a vision of his own -- theplanting of pineapples, of which he was one of thelargest suppliers on contract to the famous Tan KahKee canning factories. He also owned extensivecoconut estates.

From these sources, he raised the necessarycapital with which he bought over the entire interestsof Swee Heng Leong in the darkest period of its his-tory towards the end of 1931.

Times changed again, and fortune has consist-ently smiled on him and his endeavours ever since, as

he goes on extending his planting activities in pine-apples, rubber and coconut which today comprisean area of nearly ten thousand acres, well developedestates scattered in most parts of Selangor. The firmof Swee Heng Leong, of which he is now sole propri-etor, has since developed into huge proportions,operating from its head office at Klang a number ofbranches in various centres of Selangor, NegriSembilan and Pahang.

The produce of his pine plantations are so enor-mous that he has wisely extended his operations tothe canning industry, and he is now the owner of anumber of factories under the name of Malayan Pine-apple Co., exporting an annual supply of nearly half amillion cases, containing in each case four dozen tinsof canned pines of the famous 'Golden H' and 'M'brands, to many parts of the world: Europe, Canadaand the U.S.A.

Mr. Goh Hock Huat, who is a Justice of the Peacefor Selangor, is the proud father of five sons and fourdaughters. He was recently in Penang in connectionwith the marriage of his eldest son, and at the dinnerhe gave to his many friends here many admiringremarks were heard in reference to his character, hisgeneral simplicity, and his manners which are thequintessence of good breeding, under the great tradi-tions of that famous institution. [The Straits Echo, 6December, 1936]

Haji R.E. Mohamed Kassim, J.P.

Aged 54, he died at Klang on Friday 3 July last[from blackwaterfever. He had been in Klang for about30 years and] was the founder and sole proprietor ofthe firm trading under his name and of the EstateSupply Agency, Klang. He arrived in Malaya about 35years ago and, after living in Penang for five years,went to Klang where he started business under hisown name and took up residence. Klang remained hishome.

His business increased considerably and in avery short time he found it necessary to open up abranch at Port Swettenham, with later extensions atKuala Selangor, Singapore, Penang, Malacca andKuala Lumpur where there are several shops. Withthe growing success of his business in Malaya, hismind turned to his birthplace, Rajaghiri, and during avisit to India, he opened branches there and at Cal-cutta, Madras, Pondicherry, Negapatamand Dindigul.

5

He was reported to be the wealthiest Indian inMalaya, and was always ready to help the cause ofcharity. Among the various benefactions are the found-ing of a school at Rajaghiri for the education of poorMuslim children and the Kassim Charitable Dispen-sary. These will perpetuate his memory.

Haji Mohamed Kassim was much respected andesteemed. In public life he had always at heart theinterests of his community. He was the President ofthe Selangorlndian Merchants' Association and a J.P.for Selangor. [The Malaya Tribune, 6 September1931]

Dato Lee Kong Lam, J.P.

[Passed away on 6 February, 1931, at his resi-dence 'Sentosa', Countryside Estate, New Petaling.Road. He was 55 years old].

His illness had been of brief duration. Less than aweek ago, internal trouble, which was found to be aninfection of the kidneys, made itself felt, and hiscondition became gradually worse. All hope of recov-ery was given up yesterday. He died at 8.15 thismorning [6 February], having been unconscious foranumber of hours.

He was born in Singapore, his father being LeeLam Sing, who carried on a tailoring business in HighStreet. He was educated at Raffles School, and for atime assisted his father in business. At the age of 19,he came to Selangor and two years later joined theservice of Dr. Loke Yew, C.M.G. and held a generalpower of Attorney for Mr. Loke Choy [sic]. For manyyears, Dato Lee Kong Lam was confidential secretaryto the late Dr. Loke Yew. This brought him into contactwith the leading Europeans of the place, and they allliked him.

He drove one of the first motor-cars imported intothis country. Later on, he met with a nasty accident inthe Lake Club Gardens, when his car ran down a bank.It took him some years to recover from the shock.

Of a quiet, retiring disposition, he preferred agri-cultural pursuits to public life, but in spite of thisinclination, he was sufficiently public-spirited to playan important part in the local life of Selangor. He wasformerly a member of the Kuala Lumpur SanitaryBoard, and was also a member of the Board of Visitorsto the Lunatic Asylum, a trustee of the Victoria Institu-tion, and a member of the Committee of Management

6

to the Public Gardens. As with many Chinese, heengaged in mining, planting, and land speculationwith success.

From 1908 onwards, he served continuously onthe State Council of Selangor, his services beingrewarded in 1920 by H.H. the Sultan conferring uponhim the title of Dato Yahya Kurnia Bakti on December21. He was one of the oldest surviving Justices of thePeace for Selangor, the only Justices senior to himbeing Messrs. Wee Hap Lang and Choo Kia Peng,C.B.E. In 1928, he was awarded the Certificate ofHonour (C.H.) by H.M. the King. He was a member ofthe Chinese Advisory Board and the Board of thePoh Leong Kuk (the Federal Home for Women) as wellas being prominently identified with many Chinesesocieties.

He was a keen follower of the Turf at one time,and owned several horses. He was devoted to gar-dening, as the lay-out of the grounds around 'Sentosa'testify, while he was an artist of ability, and had morethan a shadowy claim to be considered somethingof an architect, being responsible for the design ofhis charming residence.

He was married three times. His first wife wasMiss Chung Poon, daughter of a well-known Chineseresident in Singapore, Mr. Boon Kee. There weretwo daughters of the marriage. After his first wife'sdeath, he married in 1908 a niece of Madam LokeYew, and cousin of Messrs. Alan Loke and LokeWan Yat; she died in 1920, there being five sons andfive daughters of the marriage. His third wife is adaughter of Mr. Lim Kek Chuan of Penang, and a sis-ter of Mr. Lim Soo Jee. There are one son and twodaughters of the marriage. There are also ninegrandchildren. [The Malaya Tribune, 7 December1931]

Capt. Nor Mohamed Hashim bin Mohd. Dali

The Malaya Tribune understands that Capt. N.M.Hashim, M.C.S. (retired), has been appointed Malaymember of the Straits Legislative Council in succes-sion to Inche Mohamed Rouse bin Chee.

Capt. Hashim's appointment will give generalsatisfaction to the Malay community. He is popularboth in the Colony and the Malay States.

Born in Penang, Capt. Hashim originally enteredthe Government Service as a Malay Student Inter-

preter, Police Courts, Penang, on August 15, 1896.Coming to Singapore a year later on transfer as MalayInterpreter, Police Courts, he associated himself withall matters pertaining to the community's progressand social welfare.

When he retired last year, after 37 years' merito-rious service, it was considered that the Governmenthad lost the services of a loyal Malay officer and theMalays a staunch advocate and supporter of theirlegitimate cause. His return to public service is gener-ally welcomed.

Capt. Hashim was the first Malay in the serviceof the S.S. Government to be appointed to a postordinarily held by Cadet officers, when he waspromoted and appointed Acting D.O. Balek Pulau,Assistant District Judge and Magistrate, Penang andAssistant Food Controller, Penang, in 1919.

On January 1, 1922, he was transferred to theF.M.S. as Assistant Officer-in-Charge of Co-operativeSocieties and he retired when holding the appoint-ment of Assistant Registrar, Co-operation Depart-ment, F.M.S. and S.S., in Class III of the Malayan CivilService.

Capt. Hashim's communal and public serviceshave been many and diverse. He was one of thefounders of the Singapore Malay Volunteer Corps,being the first Malay to be appointed as a commis-sioner officer of the Corps. During the days of theGreat War he rendered yeoman service to theGovernment in Singapore and in Kelantan, where hewas sent as the head of a detachment of the MalayVolunteers to suppress the 'Kelantan Rising' [19151·His valuable services there were recognised by thelocal Government, the Military authorities and theSecretary of State for the Colonies in London.

Capt. Hashim was responsible for the establish-ment of the Singapore Mohammedan AdvisoryBoard of which he was for many years honorarysecretary. He was thanked by the Government forhis services as Secretary of the Board during theGreat War.

Capt. Hashim's interest in sport is well known. Heknows that healthy rivalry in sport is conducive togood citizenship and discipline, and, therefore, workedvery hard to found the Malaya FA in 1909. To him, itmay be said, Is due, to a large extent the present high

standard of football and other branches of athleticsamong the Malays in Singapore.

It is expected that Capt. Hashim, who is now livingin the F.M.S., will take up his residence in Singapore.[The Malaya Tribune, 7 March 1936]

J.D. Scully

Grand Old Man of the Penang Eurasian commu-nity is celebrating his Golden Wedding on the 15thinst.ln February, 1881, he married Rose, the youngestdaughter of the late Dr. J.H. Ash, then the leadingmedical practitioner in Penang. Scully first joined theMunicipality and served in various capacities until,five years prior to his retirement, he was promotedto the post of Assistant Registrar of Vehicles, whichoffice he filled until he left service in 1903. He has ablyserved the interests of the Eurasian community. ThePenang Recreation Club [P.R.C.], the Penang Eura-sian Association and the Catholic Benevolent Asso-ciation owe their origin to him, and he has alwaysgiven them active support. The new P.R.C. club-house, now almost completed, is a monument ofMr. Scully's endeavours. He started the building fundfour years ago, and he will have the pleasure ofopening the new pavilion before the year is over.[Malaya Tribune, 7 February 1931]

Yong Pak Kook

One of the first Chinese in this country to engagein rubber planting on a large scale, Mr. Yong PakKook, father of Mr. S.M. Yong, the well-known KualaLumpur lawyer, died yesterday.

He had been ailing for four years with cardiactrouble but, although more or less confined to thehouse, and taking only an occasional interest in hisextensive business of estate supplies, his death cameas a shock to his large circle of friends.

Mr. Yong Pak Kook was in very good spirits onTuesday 28th, but late at night he became ill and hedied at 9.50 a.m. surrounded by his family.

He came to this country 45 years ago fromKwangtung, China. After a few years' service in aChinese firm he went to Tampin, where he startedplanting rubber and, like other pioneer Chinese, hemade a fortune in the good old days.

7

He never considered mining a safe businessand refused to invest any of his fortune from rubber intin.

Thirty-five years ago he started his estatesupplies business at Cross Street and is credited tobe the first person to make latex cup-holders. Hehad large rubber interests in Selangor and elsewhere.

He was a trustee of the Yong Sze Kongsi andwas a member of several Chinese associations.

He leaves behind his widow, four sons andthree daughters, including Mrs. Lee Keat Seong,wife of Inspector Lee Keat Seong, and Mrs. ChangHoey Chang, wife of the Assistant Health Officer,Teluk Anson, and a brother, Mr. Yong Pak Yin, aplanter in Johore.

The funeral takes place on Sunday 2 April, theprocession starting from 11 Cross Street at 11.00 a.m.for the private burial ground at Bukit Estate, Cheras.[The Malay Mail, 30 March 1939]

8

S.M. Zainal Abidin

During the Japanese Occupation, he was Malayannouncer at the local broadcasting station, andmany will remember his amusing broadcasts whichcomforted many uneasy hearts.

Today he is chairman of the Penang MalayAssociation, the English School Teachers' Coopera-tive Union, a trustee of the Old Frees Association,Penang Teachers' Union, and a member of theAdvisory Council of the Sultan Idris Training College,Tanjong Malim.

His wife is an active committee member of theMalay Women's Service League.

Zainal Abidin bin Sultan Maidin is the author ofseveral standard works in Malay -- Scouting inMalay Boys [sic] and IImu Dunia, a geography booknow used at the Malay Teachers' Training College.[Straits Echo, 28 March 1948]