RIP Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin

On the morning of 26.09.2025, I received the heartbreaking news through a WhatsApp chat group that Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin had passed away at 5.50 a.m. that day. The news struck me deeply, coming barely two months after I had been reconnected with my wedding chauffeur (Read here). While Edward was the one who drove the wedding car, it was Rev. Pang who officiated the wedding blessing ceremony, solemnizing our marriage on that memorable morning of 07.04.1979. Her passing feels especially poignant, as both of them are forever intertwined with one of the most significant milestones of my life.

At the time of my wedding, she was just thirty-two - five years my senior - a young pastor appointed as the Pastor-in-Charge of BCCM KK. She was warm, approachable, and down-to-earth, embodying both grace and dedication in her pastoral calling. I had the privilege of working alongside her during my service as a church council member, where she provided steady leadership with humility and kindness.

Later, when she was transferred to BCCM Penampang Chinese congregation, she extended her trust by inviting me several times to helm the pulpit and share sermons with the congregation. Eventually, when she moved on to serve as a lecturer at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS), our paths continued to cross occasionally whenever I attended Board of Governors meetings at the seminary. Each encounter reaffirmed her genuine spirit, steadfast faith, and commitment to nurturing others in ministry.

Her life was also deeply connected to mine in another way. Her husband, Liong Fah, an engineer, was my very first colleague when I began my career in April 1978. At that time, he was heading the KK International Airport Unit, while I was assigned to the same office on secondment to assist with the construction of the new terminal building. Our early professional paths crossed in a way that now feels providential, as it was through these connections that I came to know both him and Rev. Pang, whose lives would touch mine so meaningfully.

Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin’s passing is a profound loss. She was not only a pastor and teacher but also a friend, mentor, and a significant part of my life’s journey. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her faith, humility, and dedication to God’s work.

A couple of old photos of our wedding blessing ceremony on 07.04.1979 conducted at BCCM KK Church and solemnized by Rev. Dr. Pang.

At that time, female pastoral workers were not permitted to be ordained with the title of “Reverend”. However, a turning point came when a motion was later passed to amend the constitution of the BCCM, paving the way for women to be officially ordained. Rev. Dr. Pang, together with another female pastor, Rev. Chong Fui Yung, made history as the first two women to be ordained as Reverends in the denomination. Their ordination not only marked a significant milestone for gender equality within the church but also served as an inspiration for future generations of women called to pastoral ministry.

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From left: Me, Pastor Yong Tin Jin (In charge of BCCM KK English Congregation), Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin, Captain Donald Soh, WO K Ravi, Rita Ho and WO Liew Yun Fung.

Rev. Dr. Pang also served as the 1st Chaplain of the 2nd Kota Kinabalu Boys Brigade Company which was under the jurisdiction of BCCM KK. I served for a couple of years as a Warrant Officer of the Company in the 1980s.

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The late Rev. Dr. Pang with her husband, Liong Fah.

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Group photo with some of Rev. Dr. Pang's family members and friends after paying our last respects at the Funeral Parlour in the afternoon of 29.09.2025.

At the funeral parlour, I came to know from her family members that Rev. Dr. Pang had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about four and a half years ago, in 2020, during the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite undergoing treatment and bravely facing the illness, she was eventually called home by the Lord Almighty, to enter into her eternal rest.

May her soul rest in peace. RIP, Rev. Dr. Pang.

60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar

On the evening of 26.09.2025, I had the honour of attending the 60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary Limbahau, Papar, serving as both chauffeur and companion to my wife. Having served as the school principal for eight years, from 1998 to 2006, she was invited as one of the special guests, joining other retired principals in being recognized for their contributions.

As I watched her being welcomed with warmth and respect, my thoughts drifted back to July 2006. That was when I too had the privilege of attending a Farewell Lunch at the Promenade Hotel, organized by the School Board, teaching staff, and supporting staff. The event was held in honour of their beloved principal - my wife - who at that time was preparing for her transfer to the Gaya Teachers Training Institute.

The 60th anniversary celebration, much like that farewell nearly two decades ago, was filled with a sense of gratitude, nostalgia, and deep appreciation for the years of service and dedication that helped shape the school’s legacy (Read here).

The event was not only a celebration of the school’s six decades of history and achievements but also a meaningful occasion for fundraising to support its future development. Held at the ballroom of 10Star Cinemas Parklane in Benoni City, Papar, the evening brought together alumni, educators, and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude, camaraderie, and shared purpose.

That evening, three former principals - all ladies - were honoured. Group photo taken with the current principal, Mr. Philip Chiew.

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The occasion also provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends. Many of those who had served under her leadership during the late 1990s and early 2000s have since advanced in their careers, now holding positions as school principals and senior administrators in the education sector. 

The only gentleman in the photo, Mr. Han was another Senior Assistant during her tenure as Principal who is now a principal of SMK St. Peter Telipok. Another teacher at that time (lady seated second from right) is now the Director of Kent Teachers Training Institute.

Zuraida, who had served as one of her three Senior Assistants 

during her tenure as Principal is now a school principal of 

SMK Majakir, Papar.

Philip Chiew, the current School Principal of SMK St. Mary, Papar 

was another Senior Assistant during her tenure as school principal.

Two of her former staff members, who once served as cleaners, made a special effort to come by and warmly greet their former boss, a gesture that reflected their lasting respect and affection for her.

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The Guest-of-Honour invited to officiate the function that evening was YB Juil Nuatim, the State Assemblyman of the constituency of Limbahau. He won that newly created state seat in 2020 under Party Warisan, but switched to GRS, the party in control of the current state government in 2023 just before the Anti-Party-Hopping law in Sabah was passed by the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on 25.05.2023.

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Another invited special guest was Datuk Johnny Mositum whom I recently met on 29.08.2025 (Read here).

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Some of the cultural performances that evening.

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Many of her former students, who had known and been taught by her in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now in their forties. Some of them, in the course of casual conversations, came forward to express their heartfelt gratitude for the impact she had made in their lives.

One gentleman approached her and shared that she had been “the inspiration of his life.” Today, he stands as a successful businessman, running a private educational institution - the Kiara College. A group of ladies also fondly reminisced about their school days, telling her how much they admired her beauty back then, even affectionately nicknaming her the “Celine Dion of the school”.

Listening to these warm words and compliments, I am ever more convinced that my wife truly made a lasting difference in the lives of many during her eight years of dedicated service at the school.

On a personal note, I too felt a quiet sense of comfort knowing that, in a small way, I had contributed to the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure. I was especially pleased to see the school hall, staff room, and the Domestic Science Block - facilities I last visited on 02.12.2023 - still standing as part of the school’s legacy (Read here).

Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

To access Moscow's most iconic landmarks -  St. Basil’s Cathedral - we exited the Red Square through the Spasskaya Tower at the southeast of Red Square. This famous tower, recognizable by its large clock (the Kremlin Chimes) and its spire topped with a red star. The tower faces Red Square and serves as the main ceremonial entrance to the Kremlin.

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Once outside the Tower, we continued our walk toward St. Basil’s Cathedral - a must-see gem for any first-time visitor to Moscow. Officially named The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat and often called Pokrovsky Cathedral, it is instantly recognizable for its brightly colored onion domes and unconventional design. Commissioned by Tsar Ivan IV (“Ivan the Terrible”), it was built between 1555 and 1561 to celebrate his victories over the Kazan and Astrakhan khanates.

Unlike most churches, St. Basil’s is a collection of chapels - originally nine - arranged around a central sanctuary. Each chapel honors a saint or feast linked to Ivan’s campaign, with a tenth later added over the grave of St. Basil the Blessed, the holy man whose name the cathedral now bears.

To fully appreciate the beauty of this icon, we were taken round the cathedral before entering into the interior. The cathedral’s design is remarkable: each dome is unique in color and pattern, yet together they create a harmony often likened to “a bonfire rising into the sky.

Surviving fires, invasions, and even threats of demolition, the cathedral endured through centuries of upheaval. Secularized during the Soviet era, it was preserved as a museum and, since the 1990s, has once again hosted occasional Orthodox services.

Today, as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kremlin and Red Square, St. Basil’s stands not only as a masterpiece of architecture but also as a vivid symbol of Russia's cultural and spiritual identity.

At one corner of the cathedral stands the Bell Tower, positioned apart from the main complex. Our guide explained that this separation was intentional, designed to prevent vibrations and the powerful resonance of the bells from disturbing the cathedral’s main structure and interior halls. This thoughtful arrangement reflects the careful balance of functionality and aesthetics in the cathedral’s overall design.

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The interiors.

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Just before entering St. Basil’s Cathedral, our local guide drew our attention to the striking statue in front of the cathedral. She asked, “Did you know that Russia was once ruled by Poland?” - a surprising revelation to many of us.

She then shared the story behind the Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, which depicts Prince Dmitry Pozharsky (seated, holding a sword) and Kuzma Minin (standing, gesturing with his hand). These two men led the volunteer army that liberated Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian forces in 1612, during the turbulent period known as the Time of Troubles.

Unveiled in 1818 and designed by sculptor Ivan Martos, this was the first monumental sculpture erected in Moscow. Originally placed at the center of Red Square, it was later relocated to its current position near St. Basil’s Cathedral in the 1930s to make way for military parades.

The monument stands as a symbol of patriotism, unity, and the defense of the homeland, and it remains one of Russia’s most significant historic landmarks.

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After visiting St. Basil’s Cathedral and several other Orthodox churches earlier on, I found myself puzzled: how is it that the Russian Orthodox Church - so deeply traditional and conservative in its theology and liturgy - produce buildings whose architecture and decoration are so vividly colorful, ornate, almost storybook in appearance? A little research turned up several explanations.

Orthodox church architecture is intended to reflect the Heavenly Kingdom. The bright colors, gilded domes, and elaborate forms are not merely decorative but symbolic, offering worshippers a glimpse of paradise on earth. This aesthetic traces back to Byzantine traditions, where churches were richly adorned with mosaics, gold, and icons to demonstrate the glory of God. When Christianity spread to Russia, local influences transformed this tradition into something uniquely Russian - adding vivid hues, folk patterns, and imaginative ornamentation.

Practical considerations also played a role. Against the backdrop of long, snowy winters and often grey landscapes, the use of bold colors made churches stand out as beacons of faith and community. The characteristic onion-shaped domes, while visually striking, also had a practical function: their curved forms prevented snow from accumulating, making them well suited to the Russian climate.

The Orthodox Church has always viewed beauty as a pathway to God, using art and architecture as a form of teaching and inspiration. The ornate, otherworldly designs are meant to stir awe, lifting the mind and heart toward the divine.

St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square serves as the best example to illustrate this. Its unique cluster of domes, each painted in different patterns and colors, has no true architectural parallel. It represents not only religious devotion but also Russia’s cultural imagination, blending sacred symbolism with a distinctly folkloric character.

Thus, while the Russian Orthodox faith remains conservative in doctrine, its architecture is intentionally vibrant and dreamlike. These churches embody both the seriousness of faith and the joyful beauty of heaven, standing as living testaments to the union of spirituality, culture, and artistry in Russian history.

Red Square, Moscow

After leaving the Izmailovo Kremlin, we made our way on foot toward Red Square. Known as the beating heart of Moscow, Red Square is one of Russia’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by monumental architecture that embodies centuries of political, cultural, and spiritual history, it stands today as both a powerful national symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Just before stepping into Red Square, we passed the State Historical Museum - a magnificent red-brick building designed in the Russian Revival style. Our guide mentioned that it houses an extensive collection of artifacts, tracing Russia’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Unfortunately, a visit to the museum was not included in our itinerary, nor did we have the time to embark on such an in-depth tour.

State Historical Museum.

Entrance we used to step into the Red Square.

Km 0 Point in Moscow.

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As we walked through Red Square, we passed by Lenin’s Mausoleum on our right. Inside lies the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the revolutionary leader and founder of the Soviet Union. Today, the small trickle of visitors seems to reflect his waning popularity, especially since the USSR dissolved in 1991. Modern Russia, established after the Soviet collapse, tends to trace its statehood and identity more to earlier periods of Russian history - particularly the Tsarist era and transformative rulers such as Peter the Great. This shift in perspective was echoed in the insights shared by our local tour guide.

Lenin's Mausoleum.

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Across Red Square, directly opposite Lenin’s Mausoleum, stands the massive GUM Department Store - a grand 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade and another Moscow’s iconic landmarks. After our visit to St. Basil’s Cathedral, this was where all the tour members enjoyed their free time, exploring the elegant halls, boutique shops, and cafes. It also became the perfect spot for lunch.

For a change of flavor, we opted to try Japanese ramen prepared in a distinctly Russian style. To our surprise, it tasted remarkably authentic, offering a delightful fusion of East Asian comfort food with a local twist.

GUM Departmental Store.

One of the entrances to GUM Departmental Store.

As we exited from GUM Departmental Store, a pleasant alleyway stretches ahead, guiding the way toward the Lubyanka Building, which stands prominently across the road at its far end.

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The Lubyanka Building, once the Hqqs of KGB.

Aerial view of Lubyanka Building. Courtesy from Internet.

Just before heading to the GUM Department Store, our local tour guide pointed out another landmark - iconic to some, though infamous to others: the Lubyanka Building. Once the headquarters of the KGB, it was here that Russia’s current president, Vladimir Putin, once served as an officer. With that knowledge in mind, and after finishing our lunch at GUM, we made our way down an alleyway to its end for a closer look.

Today, the Lubyanka houses the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB. Situated close to the Kremlin and Red Square, the building serves as a stark reminder of the central role intelligence and security have long played in Russian political life.

Constructed in the late 19th century, the building was taken over by the Bolsheviks in 1918 to serve as the headquarters of the Cheka, the first Soviet secret police. Over time, it was expanded and adapted to accommodate successive security agencies, eventually becoming synonymous with the KGB during the Soviet era.

Vladimir Putin’s career is closely linked to this institution. Before becoming president, he served as a KGB officer specializing in foreign intelligence, much of it carried out abroad, particularly in East Germany. Yet the Lubyanka remained the symbolic heart of the organization he represented. His KGB background has left a lasting imprint on his leadership style, most evident in his emphasis on secrecy, control, and the primacy of state security.

Moscow Kremlin

Day 2 in Moscow - 13.09.2025 brought us to one of the most iconic landmarks of Russia: the Moscow Kremlin. Often referred to simply as the Kremlin, this fortified complex lies at the very heart of Moscow and stands as a powerful symbol of Russian history, politics, and culture.

Within its high red-brick walls, the Kremlin houses an extraordinary collection of historic treasures, including five palaces, four magnificent cathedrals, and numerous towers that punctuate the surrounding Kremlin Wall. Among its most notable structures is the Grand Kremlin Palace, once a lavish residence of the Russian Tsars and today the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

The Kremlin’s commanding position offers spectacular views: it overlooks the Moskva River to the south, faces the legendary Red Square and the colorful domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral to the east, and borders the peaceful Alexander Garden to the west.

A visit here is more than sightseeing - it’s a journey into the very heart of Russia’s past and present.

Standing at the northern entrance to the Moscow Kremlin, with the majestic Troitskaya Tower rising in the backdrop.

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The Arsenal in the Moscow Kremlin was originally constructed in the early 18th century (1702–1736) on the orders of Peter the Great, intended as a storage place for weapons and military equipment. Today, the exterior is decorated with captured cannons from Napoleon’s army (1812). This is one of the historic structures within the Kremlin complex and is still used by the Russian military.

During Napoleon’s invasion of Moscow in 1812, French troops occupied the Kremlin, including the Arsenal. When they retreated, Napoleon ordered the Kremlin to be blown up, and the Arsenal was severely damaged in the explosions. After the war, the building was restored again in the 1820s.

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The State Kremlin Palace.

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The Senatskiy Dvorets, or Senate Palace, is one of the most significant historic buildings within the Moscow Kremlin. Commissioned by Empress Catherine the Great in the late 18th, it was constructed between 1776 and 1787 to serve as the home of the Moscow branch of the Governing Senate, the highest judicial and administrative authority in Russia at the time.

Architecturally, the palace is a prime example of Russian neoclassicism, showcasing Kazakov’s skill through its symmetrical layout, monumental colonnades, and a striking central rotunda crowned by a dome. It was among the first structures in Moscow purpose-built for a state institution, rather than as a royal residence or religious building.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Senate Palace functioned as the administrative and judicial hub of the Russian Empire in Moscow. Following the 1917 Revolution, the Bolsheviks seized the Kremlin, and the palace was incorporated into the new Soviet government complex. Notably, Vladimir Lenin used an office in the building after the capital was moved from Petrograd (St. Petersburg) back to Moscow in 1918.

Today, the Senate Palace serves as the official working residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Since the 1990s, it has been the primary Kremlin office of the Russian president, used by Vladimir Putin and his predecessors. While closed to the public due to its governmental role, the building remains a vital part of the Moscow Kremlin ensemble, recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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From Ivanovskaya Square, visitors can catch sight of the Tsar Tower, with the iconic domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral rising in the background to the right.

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Group photo in front of the Annunciation Cathedral.

Left: Cathedral of the Assumption(Dormition Cathedral). Right: Patriarch's Palace and the Church of the Twelve Apostles.

In front of the Cathedral of the Assumption.

With two other tour members - Eugene and his wife Carol from KL.

The Cathedral of the Assumption in the Moscow Kremlin is one of Russia’s most important historic churches, serving for centuries as the spiritual, political, and ceremonial heart of the state.

Standing on Cathedral Square beside the Archangel Cathedral, the Annunciation Cathedral, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, it was commissioned by Ivan III and built between 1475-1479 - blended in traditional Russian forms with Renaissance engineering.

The cathedral’s five golden domes symbolize Christ and the Four Evangelists, while its white limestone walls and lofty frescoed interior create an atmosphere of solemn majesty. Its solid construction enabled it to withstand fires and even Napoleon’s 1812 occupation.

It was the main cathedral of Muscovy and the Russian Empire, hosting coronations from Ivan the Terrible in 1547 to Nicholas II in 1896, as well as enthronements, royal weddings, and funerals. Key moments include the proclamation of Michael Romanov as tsar in 1613, marking the start of the Romanov dynasty.

Closed after the 1917 Revolution, it later reopened as a museum, with services resuming in the 1990s. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Russia’s faith, monarchy, and national identity.

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The local tour guide took considerable time to explain the historical and cultural significance of two prominent monuments in the Square - the Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell, also known as the Broken Bell.

Top Left Photo: The Tsar Cannon, standing prominently on Ivanovskaya Square, close to the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles and the Grand Kremlin Palace. Resting on an ornate cast-iron carriage crafted in 1835, the cannon is accompanied by four oversized decorative cannonballs. These balls, however, are purely symbolic - each far too large to fit into the barrel - and serve only to enhance its monumental appearance.

Commissioned by Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible, the cannon was cast in 1586 by master craftsman Andrey Chokhov. Made entirely of bronze, it is a masterpiece of 16th-century Russian artillery casting. The cannon is truly colossal, weighing approximately 39.3 tons, stretching 5.34m (17.5 feet) in length, and boasting a caliber of 890 mm (35 inches), making it one of the largest-caliber cannons ever created in the world.

Although designed as a siege weapon intended to fire massive stone grapeshot, the Tsar Cannon was never practical for warfare due to its enormous size and weight. While traces of gunpowder suggest it may have been test-fired once, it was never used in battle. Instead, its true purpose was largely symbolic - to embody the might, authority, and grandeur of the Russian Tsar.

Today, the Tsar Cannon stands not only as a technical marvel of its era but also as a ceremonial monument, admired for its intricate bronze reliefs and monumental scale. Like the nearby Tsar Bell, which is the largest bell ever cast but was never rung, the Tsar Cannon represents Russia’s historic tradition of creating record-breaking artifacts that combine artistry with political symbolism.

Top Right Photo: The so-called “broken big bell” in the Moscow Kremlin is the legendary Tsar Bell (Tsar Kolokol) - the largest bell ever cast in the world. Despite its monumental size and exquisite craftsmanship, it has never been rung, as it cracked during a fire in 1737 before it could be installed.

Weighing an astonishing 201 tons and standing over 6 m (20 feet) tall, the Tsar Bell was cast between 1733 and 1735 on the orders of Empress Anna Ioannovna, the niece of Peter the Great. Its creators sought not only size but beauty: the bell was made of bronze enriched with silver and gold to enhance its resonance, and its surface is richly adorned with reliefs of saints, portraits of Russian rulers, and elaborate inscriptions.

Tragedy struck during a Kremlin fire in 1737 while the bell was still in its casting pit. In an attempt to save it from the flames, cold water was poured over the superheated metal. The sudden temperature change caused it to fracture, and a colossal 11.5-ton section broke away.

As a result, the Tsar Bell was never hoisted into a tower or rung. Instead, it remains on display beside the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, both a masterpiece of Russian artistry and a symbol of ambition undone by misfortune.