Saberkas branch chairman prefers quality over quantity
KUCHING: Saberkas Batu Lintang Branch has about 60 members and this was sufficient, said its chairman Kapitan Patrick Tan after the branch’s triennial general meeting (TGM) recently.
Tan, who was re- elected unopposed for his fourth term, said a huge membership is pointless if it was just names on a list.
“Even if we had 100 or 1,000, there’s no point if they’re not active. I tell my community leaders, if you’ve been appointed and you do nothing, you might as well leave. We don’t want people who are sleeping.”
Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the TGM held at a restaurant at Stutong, Tan said that this negative practice will not come to pass with him as chairman.
“I want members with the spirit and heart to help the community,” said Tan, who is set for another three years of leadership at the branch.
Regarding his uncontested re- election, Tan said that he
Even if we had 100 or 1,000, there’s no point it they’re not active. I tell my community leaders, if you’ve been appointed and you do nothing, you might as well leave. We don’t want people who are sleeping. Kapitan Patrick Tan, Saberkas Batu Lintang branch chairman
welcomed anyone who wanted to challenge him for the position but nobody stepped up.
“If I’m not working, I don’t think members will be happy to have me here. I’d be toppled. If you really serve the public, people will be happy to retain you.”
To the new office bearers, Tan encouraged them to work hard, serve the community, and work closely with the present government.
“We don’t want them (office bearers) to think of how Saberkas can benefit them individually but of how they can help others.”
The Batu Lintang branch has a number of educational and health projects planned for the new year, including a Chinese New Year celebration at a charitable home.
“We are going to hold another cooking competition before the end of the year and encourage private institutions, students and NGOs (non- governmental organisations) to join.”
The branch held a cooking competition in November at Dewan Masyarakat with 19 participants.
They are aiming for 25 participants for the next one and eyeing participation from colleges that teach culinary arts.
Meanwhile, Saberkas Batu Lintang vice- chairmen are Marvin Ong and Liaw Hong Chin. Priscilla Yap is secretary, while the post of assistant secretary went to Wilson Tan. Adeline Lee was named treasurer.
The committee members are Chang Sin Chow, Bibiana Leo, Chai Yu Seng, Vincent Lau, Leong Siaw Long, and Lim Chiew Fung.