MACVA Activities

Discussion Between MACVA Central Committee with The Northern Chapter (NC) Members

On Tuesday, 7 Nov 23, a round table discussion between the MACVA President & team and the NC members was held at Berjaya Hotel, Jalan Burma, Penang.

Among the members present from both sides were:
MACVA CENTRAL Committee
President Dato' Lee, VP Army, Carol Loo, VP RMAF, John Phoon and Hon Treasurer, Mary Koh.
The NC Members
Ng Chor Huat, Lawrence Foo, Mok Keng Yee, Na Weng Kooi, Brandon Lee, BJ Khoo and Dato' Lee Hock Sun.

The aim of the discussion was focus on whether the NC members would like to resume the role by providing assistance and services to our members in the Northern Region covering Penang Island, Butterworth, Bkt Mertajam, Kulim, Sg Petani, right up to Alor Setar and Langkawi Island.

However, after almost three hours of round table discussion, the NC members who are still very passionate for the cause of the welfare of our members in the Northern Region has unaminously agreed to accept the role and continue to provide their noble services to our unfortunate members. We salute the team for their commitment, compassion, time and volunteerism.

The New line-up of the NC Chapter by zone effective 7 Nov 23 are as follow:
1. Chairman - Ng Chor Huat Tel. 0124338066
2. Zone Alor Setar/Perlis - Pung Hung Seng. Tel. 0194417133
3. Zone Sg Petani - Na Weng Kooi. Tel. 0189666215
4. Zone Butterworth - Lawrence Foo. Tel. 0164322307
5. Zone Bkt Mertajam - Lim Khoon Hing. Tel. 0164597050
6. Zone Pulau Langkawi - Goh Hiang Aun. Tel. 0124801926
7. Zone Penang Island - Chan Kim Lim. Tel. 0184098508

Congratulations to the NC Chapter Chairman and his Zone Welfare Chairmen for your volunteerism and accepting not only unthankless but challenging task ahead and keep the MACVA Flag flying high.

A letter of appointment was immediately prepared, signed by the President and hand over to the NC Chapter Chairman, brother Ng Chor Huat.

Report by
VP Army
11 Nov 23

COURTESY VISIT ON KETUA PENGARAH JHEV ON FRIDAY 20 OCT 2023 AT JABATAN HAL EHWAL VETERANS ATM OFFICE, 301, JALAN MEDAN TUANKU, KUALA LUMPUR

Attendees:
JHEV
Maj Gen Zambery Jefry Bin Hj Darus – Ketua Pengarah
Lt Col Azwadi Bin Jamian – Ketua Pegawai Operasi Yayasan Veteran ATM
Puan Mahani Binti Aliasak - Pengarah Bahagian Dasar r> Puan Nalini A/P Moorty - Pengarah Bahagian Kebajikan Maj Muhaizam Bin Mustapa Delmi - Penolong Pengarah 3, Bahagian Dasar

MACVA
Dato’ Lee Kwang Lock RMN - President
Carol Loo Lee Fum – VP Army
John Phoon Khai Meng – VP RMAF
Phua Hean Sim – Deputy President RMNOA
Tony Ho Weng Kong – Hon Secretary
Mary Koh – Hon Treasurer

1. The meeting which was scheduled for 1100H started an hour later due to Ketua Pengarah JHEV’s prior engagement that ends late. However, we were served with coffee and local delicacies while waiting at their conference room.

2. The meeting started with the following main queries from MACVA.

a. Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) – RM300 monthly. Why is it that some received, and some did not?

Answer: Ketua Pengarah JHEV delivers the following points:
(1) Only legitimate Veterans are entitled. Those ex-soldiers that left the service with bad records etc. are not entitled as they are not Veterans.

(2) Based on JHEV records there are 41,970 veterans above 60 years old.

(3) There are 3000 veterans above 80 years old, and these list, no need to apply and will be automatically processed and if eligible (LAYAK) they will continue to receive BSH every month.

(4) JKM, EPU and MOF criteria for approval, veterans’ total monthly income not more than rm1169. MOF letter says that the current criteria used for payment of BSH must be used to process payment. Further checking from SSM will also be used to vet eligibility of veterans that qualify for BSH.

(5) All veterans above 60 years old must update their details either ONLINE at Vibes 2.0 or go physically at JHEV counter to update. This process must be repeated every three years.

(6) Some veterans that is eligible still did not receive the money because their bank details are not updated. There are 2300 veterans bank records are not correct therefore JHEV are unable to process payment.

(7) Allocation for 2023 are meant to be spent for 2023. For year 2024 new allocation will be given by MOF. Therefore, only when JHEV received this fund they will process and make payment. For 2023 amount of 50 million per month for the next 4 months have been allocated and approved for payment till Dec 2023.

(8) A formal request or appeal has been made by JHEV to abolish all ‘Syarat’ so that those above 60 years old (41,970 veterans) will automatically receive rm300 monthly. These Ketua Pengarah JHEV reiterated that we need to wait for reply from MOF. And he has also suggested a new name be given for this allocation instead of BSH.

(9) All BSH payment will be paid Mid-month. So, veterans may check their account every middle of the month for BSH payment.

b. Dana Persatuan. Hon Sec enquired when we will receive our annual entitlement from JHEV. And President also requests that JHEV consider giving the amount to all association based on the activities being carried out by each association yearly.

Answer: The payment of RM7000 for MACVA is being processed. (Payment received on 26 Oct 2023). RM7000 given is based on the number of members, MACVA have. (999-2000 members = 7000) Any additional amount for welfare activities, MACVA may request separately, with justification, and JHEV will consider them. There is a new proposal in the pipeline that rm10.00 will be paid per member each association have, provided these members only belongs to one association. If that member is a member of three associations, then this amount will be divided into three.

c. Hari Pahlawan Matching Grant. MACVA president also enquired on the matching grant on Hari Pahlawan donation drives which was previously done last being the year 2020.

Answer: Ketua Pengarah JHEV explained that the previous year’s Hari Pahlawan funds were sourced by JHEV from cooperate sponsors. JHEV has decided that these matching grants be abolished. However, associations may run their own Hari Pahlawan 2023 donation drive valid from 1 Aug 2023 to 31 Jul 2024. Every RM 100,000 funds collected parked to JHEV bank account will receive 15% add-ons when funds are returned to association account.

d. PJM recipients. MACVA made a special request to collect on members behalf the medals and certificates, for those who are unable to be physically present to receive them due to ill health.

Answer: Ketua Pengarah JHEV has given permission for MACVA to submit the list of PJM recipients who are unable to do so. It’s been decided that these lists be given to JHEV and MACVA will then be given the honor to present these PJM medals and certificate on JHEV behalf.

e. Other Matters Raised by VP RMAF

(1) Capt Chaw Meng – Served 20 years 7 months – non pensionable status. Why?
It has since been concluded that Capt Chaw Meng contract is short commissioned, and he has received gratuity therefore not entitled to pension.
(2) Airwoman Chow Oy Chan Case:
Her niece will get doctors certification to get her an OKU status. After which she may apply for social welfare, BSH from JHEV.

f. MEMOIR 1 – Two copies of MEMOIR 1 was presented by MACVA President to Ketua Pengarah JHEV. Ketua Pengarah JHEV request to purchase 50 MOVs at 50% discount.

Answer: It has been agreed to sell MOV1 to JHEV for RM25.00 per book. It will be given out to all MVK members at the MVK meeting on Thursday 26 Oct 2023. 50 books were delivered on 23 Oct 2023. Payment of RM1250.00 received on Mon 23 Oct 2023.

3. Meeting adjourned at 1415H.

Mary Koh
Hon Treasurer

Tribute and Honour to Maj Abd Manan Abas Military Cross (MC) @ 100 Years Birthday on 1 Nov 2023

Our next most senior Veteran Maj Abd Manan Abas MC celebrated his 100th Birthday on 1 Nov 2023. The Kelab Pegawai RAMD (KPRAMD) organised a birthday buffet high tea at Mindef Officers' Mess. Brother Tong Lye Heng and brother Godfrey Chang were guests of KPRAMD.

Maj Abdul Manan Abas MC was born on 1 Nov 1923 in Kuala Selangor. Had his early Malay education in Kampong Kuantan and Assam Jawa and his English education at the Anglo Chinese School, Kampong Kuantan.

At the end of 1946 he enlisted into the Army at the Malay Regiment Depot, Port Dickson during the British Military Administration of Malaya. After Passing-Out, Manan was attached to the Depot where he was promoted to LCpl and Cpl. Then Manan was posted to the 1st Bn Malay Regiment (1 Malay) where he was promoted to Sgt. It was here in 1 Malay, in 1950, together with another, Sgt Shukur Chik, that these two young Malay soldiers made history. Indeed they were most fortunate to be selected for Officer Cadet training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, a first in the long list for our Army.

He was commissioned in 1952 as a 2/Lt into 3 Malay based in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. From 3 Malay, he was posted to 6 Malay based in Mentakab Camp, Pahang. Life in the Bn those days was a continuous jungle bashing against the CTs (then called Bandits). Pahang was a Bandit infested 'hot State' during that period. It was in the Sempalit forest reserve area in the Raub district, that Manan earned his MC. Read the full story in the forthcoming book, 'MEMOIRS' by Lt Col Tan Siew Soo (Rtd) RAC.

As a token of appreciation for his contribution to MACVA forthcoming book *Memoirs*, we presented Manan a cake on his 100th birthday celebration.

Carol Loo
VP Army
4 Nov 23

Southern Chapter Get Together Dinner
31 Oct 23
On 28 Oct 23 (Sat), MACVA Management Committee (MC) was invited to participate in the Southern Chapter Get Together Dinner at Restaurant Pekin, Taman Sentosa, JB.

Among the MC who attended the dinner were the President, Dato' Lee Kwang Lock, VP Army, Carol Loo and spouse, John Soon, Hon Sec, Tony Ho, and members - Ng Thiam Yew, David Tan and AJ Wong. Others comprising members from the Southern Chapter, with some coming from Kluang and Singapore.

The President was invited to give a short speech followed by the presentation of books written by Robert Rizal Abdullah PGB *3rd Battalion Malaysia Ranger 'It's Glorious Years*. This book was presented by Capt Tan Too Giok. Among those members who were honored to receive this book were the President, VP Army and former Hon Sec.

Carol Loo
VP Army

'Legend, war hero' honour for Chin
30 Oct 23
MACVA 2nd Honorary Member, 99 years old First Lt Datuk Chin Phui Kong, Force 136.

DAILY EXPRESS © COPYRIGHT 1997 - 2023 SABAH PUBLISHING HOUSE SDN. BHD.
STANDING LR: LIEW WAI TONG, DAVID CHOW, WONG AH JIT, LEE SIEW CHOY, LIM BOON DAK. SITTING LR: MARGARET CHOW, CAROL LOO, OOI TEONG AUN WITH PJM CERT, PATRICK WONG
OOI TEONG AUN WITH BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

Fellowship Lunch
8 Aug 23
1. Date: 20 July 2023
2. Time: 1200 Hours
3. Location: Xing Yee Fatt Restaurant, Rampai Business Park, No 3 Jln Rampai Niaga 2
4. Guest of Honour: Lt Col Ooi Teong Aun (B)
5. Occasion: 93rd Birthday and Presentation of PJM Cert

And so it was held as planned. In attendance were:
LtC Ooi Teong Aun
LtC Carol Loo - VP Army
LtC Liew Wai Tong
LtC Wong Ah Jit
Maj Lee Siew Choy
Maj Patrick Wong
Maj Lim Boon Dak
Lt John Soon - RMN
Maj David Chow
Margaret Chow

Thanks for comradeship. Lunch was sponsored by David Chow. The cupcakes were made by VP Army. We wish LtC Ooi Teong Aun many happy returns and to continue to march ever on.

Carol Loo
VP Army

Remembrance Mass Nuri FM1715 Aircrew KIA On 26 Apr 1976
8 Aug 23
A Remembrance Mass for the souls of 3 Chinese Royal Malaysian Air Force Aircrew who died on 26 April 1976 when their NURI helicopter was shot down by terrorists at Gubir, Kedah. They were on a mission of supplying rations to the frontline forces.

The venue of the Eucharistic Celebration was at Church of Holy Redeemer, Klang on Saturday 29 July 2023. The Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Andrew Kooi.

The 3 deceased were :-
1. Sgt Udara Leong Yee Heang, PTU
2. Lt Udara Chung Meng Teck, PTU
3. Kapt Udara Choo Yoke Boon, PGB

A total of 103 personnel representing ex-members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Navy, Army and family members attended the Memorial to honour and pay their respects to the demised heroes.

At the end of the Holy Mass, an emotional tribute and eulogy were presented by WO II(R) Patrick Lee Kai Tong and Maj(R) Lim Aik Peng.

This was followed by a buffet lunch to facilitate fellowship and renewal of old friends and ex-comrades.

The gathering at the Church of Holy Redeemer Klang, marks the first time in the history of the Royal Malaysian Air Force for fallen heroes.

This event could only come to realization due to the initiative and tireless efforts of a group of ex-comrades and close friends of the deceased trio.

LIM AIK PENG DELIVERING EULOGY
PATRICK LEE KAI TONG DELIVERING EULOGY
DATO' LEE (THIRD LEFT) PRESENTING A COPY OF MOV AND ANGPOW TO LATE CAPT CHOO PGB YOUNGEST DAUGHTER
GROUP PHOTO
BUFFET LUNCH
LR: DATO' LEE KWANG LOCK, MAJ GEN ZAMBERY JEFREY, SGT CHOO WOH SOON PGB, WONG KWAI YINN, WO I IELIAS IBRAHIM PGB

KP JHEV ATM Visit Sgt Choo Woh Soon PGB
28 Jun 23
On 25 Jun 23 KP JHEV ATM Maj Gen Zambery Jefrey and his wife visited Sgt Choo Woh Soon PGB at his home in Kamunting, Taiping under the JHEV ‘Program Cakna Veteran’. 85 years old Choo was conferred the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) on 4 Jan 1961. The award was presented by the 3rd Yang DiPertuan Agong, Almarhum Tuanku Syed Harun Putra ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Kula Lumpur on the 5 Aug 1965.

Choo was conferred the award for act of extreme bravery during Operation Seladang in Pahang on 18 Aug 1959 for eliminating communist terrorist enemy. Also present at the visit were President Dato' Lee Kwang Lock, Honsec Tony Ho, YDP PVATM Perak Lt Kol Hj Aminuddin Bin Hj Ab. Karim (Bersara), WO I Ielias Ibrahim PGB, MACVA Ipoh Chapter members and PVATM Kamunting members.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to KP JHEV ATM for the visit and Pengarah JHEV Peral Mej Izhar Hayatul Israq and staff for organising the event.

SGT CHOO PGB WELCOMING MAJ GEN ZAMBERY JEFREY
SGT CHOO PGB SHARING HIS CONTACT EXPERIENCE DURING OPS SELADANG
SGT CHOO PINGAT GAGAH BERANI MEDAL ON THE LEFT
DATO' LEE SHOWING MAJ GEN ZAMBERY JEFREY, SGT CHOO PGB STORY IN MOV.
MAJ GEN ZAMBERY JEFREY ASSISTS SGT CHOO PGB TO PUT ON JHEV CAP WHICH HE PRESENTED
VISITORS GROUP PHOTO AT SGT CHOO PGB HOUSE IN KAMUNTING
MACVS GROUP PHOTO. STANDING LR: CHONG PAK YEE, TONY HO, WONG KWAI YINN, WONG CHAN VOON, KONG CHEOH PENG, SU BEE PENG. SITTING LR: DATO' LEE, SGT CHOO WOH SOON PGB. (NOT IN PICTURE TAN SEE KIAT)
NS CHSPTER MEMBERS WITH MENHAN AT PUSASDA

NS Chapter Attends Majlis Minum Petang Bersamas Veteran ATM Port Dickson
28 Jun 23
On 26 Jun 23 NS Chapter MACVs led by Loo CC attended Majlis Minum Petang Bersamas Veteran ATM Port Dickson at PUSASDA, Si Rusa, Negeri Sembilan. The occasion was an opportunity for Menhan YB Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan to meet with Veterans from Port Dickson over tea. We would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to JHEV Negeri Sembilan for inviting MACVs to the event.

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