A Tour of Sabah Handicraft Center, Keningau

After dropping my wife off at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of IPG Keningau in the morning of 08.08.2025, I found myself with three to four hours of free time. A quick search on the internet gave me one destination - the Sabah Handicraft Centre in Keningau, or Pusat Kraftangan Sabah (PKS). Intrigued by its role in preserving and promoting local crafts, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to pay a visit.

As I stepped out of my car, I was greeted by the sight of a sprawling, modern complex -  a RM30 million landmark that first opened in 2012. This is the Pusat Kraftangan Sabah (PKS), a visionary project initiated, funded and developed by the Yayasan Sabah Group as part of its long-term socio-economic development mission. Conceived as a one-stop hub, PKS brings together handicraft collection, artisan training, product marketing, research and development, as well as design innovation under one roof. It seeks to uplift rural communities, create sustainable livelihoods and safeguard Sabah’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.

My first stop was the exhibition centre, a showcase of the artistry and heritage of local craftsmen. Inside, the displays feature handwoven textiles and batik in different colours, intricately carved wooden pieces, elegant ceramics, delicate glassware and finely woven baskets and containers. The collection also includes beautifully crafted bags, belts, furniture and home decor, each reflecting the unique cultural traditions and meticulous skills of Sabah’s artisans.

Coconut Shell Creations - These beautifully crafted items showcase the versatility of coconut shells, transformed into bowls, cups and decorative figures reflecting the creativity, culture and resourcefulness of the local communities.

Traditional Woven Conical Hat - Crafted from natural materials such as bamboo and rattan. The intricate black-and-red patterns, meticulously woven into the design, reflect traditional motifs of the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut communities.

Intricate traditional woven handbags - made from colourful plastic strips and traditional woven fabric with colourful geometric motifs.

The kulintangan on display instantly transported me back to a family holidays trip to Shangri-la Rasa Ria back in March 2024 when my two granddaughters, Livvie and Maddie first encountered this traditional music instrument. I still remember their curiosity and delight as the melodic chimes rang out - a charming moment that made the cultural experience even more memorable (Read here).

Some of the traditional music instruments made from bamboo.

Furniture made from rattan.

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As I made my way toward the back of the complex, I came across several spacious rooms bustling with activity. These areas function both as training classrooms - where aspiring artisans hone their skills under the guidance of instructors - and as production workshops, where intricate handicrafts are meticulously created by students and seasoned craftsmen alike.

A remarkably ingenious creation - a stunning replica of the iconic Menara Tun Mustapha, meticulously crafted from rattan!

After the tour, I felt glad that the state government, through Yayasan Sabah, had the foresight to establish this centre. Beyond preserving and celebrating Sabah’s rich ethnic handicraft traditions, it serves as a vibrant hub for training, skills development and fostering design innovation - ensuring that these crafts remain relevant in the modern era.

From my observation, Keningau does not yet have enough attractions or venues for tourists and visitors to fully experience its local charm. For visitors who are unsure where to go or what to do, the Pusat Kraftangan Sabah is probably a good starting point. It’s not just a place to browse beautiful crafts, but an opportunity to see Sabah’s cultural heritage come alive before your eyes.

Chapter 39: Bingkor Raw Water Intake, Keningau - An Unplanned Journey Back in Time

After our visit to the Keningau Oath Stone, we continued our drive to another much-publicized accommodation in Keningau - Taman Bandukan Riverside Resort. Its advertisements had been so impressive that I had even considered staying there, had its location been closer to Keningau town.

However, a brief chat with the resort reception after arrival and a stroll around the compound turned out to be a letdown. The fleet of bicycles for rent and the boats for hire on their lake were all in various states of disrepair.

The Bingkor River nearby is certainly pleasant enough, with its calm, scenic surroundings, but it, too, falls short of being a compelling reason to spend an entire day there.

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On our way back after visiting Kampong Bandukan, just as the car rounded a bend, my wife suddenly exclaimed, “Hey, I just saw the Bingkor Water Intake!”

I instinctively made a U-turn and pulled over to take a closer look. In an instant, a flood of memories came rushing back - this was one of the many sites I had visited while working for Antah Biwater back in 1988, some thirty-seven years ago.

At that time, my task was to inspect the location and assess its suitability for the construction of a raw water intake. The visit was part of a series of site inspections and evaluations of potential sites for numerous schemes under a federal rural water supply project in Sabah. I eventually left Antah Biwater before the intake’s construction was completed, but standing there again after all these years felt like unexpectedly turning a page back in my own professional history.

Raw water intake.

Bingkor River, a short distance upstream
of the intake.

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Back in 1988, Malaysia was emerging from the severe 1985-1986 economic recession. I had just left Permodalan Bumiputra Sabah Berhad, a government-linked company that, like many others, was grappling with financial difficulties. Soon after, I joined Antah-Biwater as a Senior Engineer.

An old photo taken at the office of
Antah-Biwater in 1988.

Discussion with a British colleague of
Antah-Biwater from UK.

With Simon Chin, a fresh graduate engineer
who also worked for Antah-Biwater.
He later joined our consultancy practice
for a few years as an Assistant Resident
Engineer for a major
KK Water Supply Extension Project.

At the time, Antah-Biwater had secured a massive RM1.4 billion Design-and-Build contract to implement rural water supply schemes across Malaysia. Ten locations in Sabah were identified under this programme: Kota Marudu, Beluran, Keningau, Kota Belud, Tambunan, Telupid, Beaufort, Tungku, Kuala Penyu and Sipitang.

The rural schemes were spread across the state - reaching the northern stretches of the Kudat Division, the eastern reaches of the Sandakan Division, the southeast in Tawau Division, as well as the West Coast and the Interior. With a company vehicle at my disposal, I spent countless hours travelling through winding roads, remote villages and river crossings. My duties included securing permits to enter sites for the construction of intakes, treatment plants, reservoirs and pipelines. Along the way, I built professional ties with many engineers and officers from the PWD, DID, local authorities and the Lands & Surveys Department.

On the home front, life was equally demanding. My three children - then aged seven, five, and three - were in the care of our stay-home maid. Whenever I was away and couldn’t fetch my daughter from school, my wife, who was then the principal of SMK St. John in Tuaran, had to make the long rush back to do it herself.

Those were indeed challenging times - a constant balancing act between career demands and family life. My tenure with Antah-Biwater lasted just over a year. By mid-1989, I decided to leave the company and move into engineering consultancy practice, opening a new chapter in my professional journey.

The Oath Stone in Keningau

Besides reconnecting with Edward, my wedding car driver (Read here), another long-awaited item on my list was to visit the iconic Keningau Oath Stone.

The Oath Stone was formally unveiled on 31 August 1964 at the old Keningau District Office by the Federal Labour Minister, Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam, in the presence of key dignitaries including Chief Minister Fuad Stephens and G.S. Sundang. To solemnize the occasion, a maningolig ritual - conducted by a bobolian (traditional priest) - was performed.

The idea of the Oath Stone was born from early resistance among Sabah’s traditional leaders, the Orang Kaya-Kaya, who feared that the state’s rights might be eroded upon joining Malaysia. The stone thus became a physical and symbolic pledge between Sabah’s interior communities and the federal government: in exchange for loyalty to Malaysia, the government guaranteed to safeguard the state’s unique rights.

Its plaque, engraved in Malay script, declares three key assurances:

1. Freedom of religion in Sabah.
2. The Government of Sabah holds authority over land in Sabah.
3. Native customs and traditions will be respected and upheld by the Government.

Over time, the stone endured tampering - most controversially, the removal of the words “Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin” (“The Government of Malaysia guarantees”). This sparked public outrage, and in 2015, the original plaque was recovered. By 2018, the Oath Stone was relocated to the Keningau Heritage Museum, with its missing words restored, re-establishing it as an important heritage landmark.

After our meet-up with Edward, we drove to the Keningau Heritage Museum to see the Oath Stone in person - a silent witness to Sabah’s promises, struggles and enduring identity. Standing there, I felt a quiet weight in the air, as if the stone still carried the voices of those leaders who once fought to ensure these rights. It wasn’t just a monument - it was a reminder that history lives on, not only in books and archives, but in the stones that have seen it all.

Proclamation Message by Tunku Abdul Rahman,
1st Prime Minister of Malaysia on the formation
of Malaysia in September 1963.

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Sadly, some of these declared assurances were eroded over the years. On religion, the original Sabah (North Borneo) Constitution did not declare a state religion. In fact, under Point 1 of the 20-Point Agreement, “there should be no State religion in North Borneo (now Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to North Borneo.”

However, this changed a decade later. In 1973, under the administration of Chief Minister Tun Mustapha Harun, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the State Constitution which declared that: “Islam is the religion of the State; but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the State.”

This shift - from a secular framework to having Islam as the official state religion - marked a significant departure from Sabah’s constitutional founding commitments.

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Sabah first Cabinet in 1963.
G.S Sundang was the Deputy Chief Minister cum
Minister of Health. He is seated
in front row at right

G.S. Sundang, the Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Health in the First Cabinet of Sabah in 1963 was a prominent traditional chief and political leader in Sabah who played a key role in the events leading up to the creation of the Oath Stone. He co-founded the United Pasok Momogun Organisation (UPMO) in early 1962, following a split from United National Kadazan Organisation (UNKO), aiming to safeguard the interests of the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut communities.

Initially, he opposed the rushed formation of Malaysia, fearing that Sabah’s autonomy would be undermined. He even submitted a petition to the UN and later proceeded with a symbolic "ritual agreement" by proposing the Oath Stone as a solemn, binding promise.

Eventually, he participated in the delegation signing the Malaysia Agreement in London on 9 July 1963 and served in key political roles, including as Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Health.

Culturally, Sundang was a staunch defender of ethnic identity. He resisted attempts to merge the Dusun and Kadazan under a single name, arguing that the Dusun people should maintain their distinct identity. However, in the late 1990s, this distinction was officially set aside when the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), under the leadership of its president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (also former Chief Minister of Sabah), adopted the combined term Kadazandusun. The move was intended to resolve the decades-long debate over whether Kadazan and Dusun were separate groups or part of a shared cultural-linguistic heritage.

By around 2000, Kadazandusun was formally recognized in official government usage, appearing in census categories and widely used in cultural celebrations, notably the Kaamatan Festival. While this unification achieved a sense of inclusivity for some, it also marked the closing of a chapter in Sundang’s vision for distinct ethnic preservation.

Chapter 38: A Journey Back in Time with My Wedding Day Chauffeur

I had another opportunity to visit Keningau after a lapse of over six years since my last trip in February 2019 (Read here). This time, I acted as my wife's personal chauffeur, driving her to attend a celebration function of the 40th Anniversary of IPG Keningau (Keningau Teachers’ Training College) on 08.08.2025.

For this visit, I made it a point to reconnect with Edward - our wedding driver who lives in Keningau. He was the chauffeur of the wedding car for my Blessing Wedding Ceremony back on 07.04.1979.

Once I contacted him upon my arrival on 07.08.2025, he was very eager to meet up. Without hesitation, he drove straight from his home and, about half an hour later, we were sitting together at Kedai Kopi Keningau, a well-known local coffee shop.

Edward has hardly changed, except for the inevitable passage of time. In fact, we had met once before, probably about fifteen years ago, when I joined a children’s ministry group of my Church visiting BCCM Keningau.

These days, he is happily married, blessed with five children (four daughters and one son) and an impressive eleven grandchildren. His eldest grandchild is already sixteen!

As we chatted, I uncovered some remarkable coincidences connecting our families. One of his aunts (his mother’s sister) happens to be the sister of the wife of one of my company directors. Another aunt, Mdm. Chee Nyuk Kuin was once my colleague during my time as a part-time RTM newsreader back in 1972–1973 (Read here). And to top it off, my youngest sister-in-law served as his wife’s bridesmaid at their wedding. Truly, the small-world connections never cease to amaze me!

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Talking about his recruitment as our wedding car driver - back in early 1979, I was just starting my career as a fresh graduate engineer. While planning my wedding, money was tight, and a luxurious wedding car was well beyond our budget.

One day, a youth fellowship friend mentioned that Edward had just gotten a brand-new red Datsun Sunny Saloon - a car that looked elegant enough to double as a wedding car. Without hesitation, I approached him with my request. To my relief and delight, he readily agreed, not only offering his car but volunteering to be the chauffeur himself.

At the time, Edward was in his final year at Kian Kok High School. His parents had purchased the Datsun for his use in Kota Kinabalu - a proud and treasured possession for any young man. Yet, with characteristic generosity, he readily placed both the car and his time at our disposal for this special occasion. It was a simple act of kindness, but one that left a lasting mark on our hearts - a gesture we will always cherish.

An Unscheduled Departure to Eternity

We received the sad news of David Lam’s passing through a WhatsApp message from Serene in the morning of Monday, 4 August 2025. He had passed away the day before, following surgery to remove multiple blood clots from various parts of his body.

The news came as a shock, especially to Serene. As the father of one of her best friends since high school, Winnie, his sudden death seemed to strike a deeply personal chord - a sobering reminder that she, too, might one day be confronted with similar grief in her own life.

We first got to know David and his wife, Ivy, more than thirty years ago when they worshipped at BCCM KK (English). Both were members of the Family Group - now known as the Connect Group - which we also belonged to.

In later years, following their daughter Winnie's marriage and emigration to Australia, and their son Aaron’s move to another church, David and Ivy occasionally joined Aaron at his new place of worship. More recently, however, they had returned to BCCM KK, this time attending the Chinese congregation.

When we paid our respects at the funeral parlour on 5 August 2025, Winnie shared with us the circumstances surrounding her father's passing. The operation to remove blood clots had gone smoothly, and David was initially reported to be in stable condition. However, complications arose after he was prescribed a blood thinner for the first time. It triggered internal bleeding that could not be controlled. His condition steadily worsened as he grew weaker and was on the verge of slipping into a coma.

The family was then faced with a difficult decision - whether to prolong his life through medical intervention, including the insertion of tubes. After much discussion, they ultimately chose not to proceed with such measures. They made the heart-wrenching decision to let him go peacefully.

Winnie found great comfort in having had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with her father during his final days at the hospital. Those precious moments together became a source of lasting peace after his passing.

When I spoke with Ivy at the funeral parlour, she shared a quiet sense of consolation amidst her grief. In a way, she was relieved that it was her husband who departed first, rather than the other way around. She simply couldn't imagine how he would have coped with life on his own after her passing.

I found myself agreeing with her. Among closely bonded couples, it often seems that the wife is more able - emotionally and socially - to carry on alone if she must. It’s not that the grief is any less, but perhaps women are more resilient in the face of such loss. In that sense, Ivy’s quiet conviction held a poignant truth.

Preparing to Say "The Marriage Vow"

In Malaysia, it is mandatory for Muslims to attend a pre-marriage course in order to be eligible to apply for a marriage registration. This requirement, however, does not apply to non-Muslims. In our Church, couples who wish to have their wedding ceremony conducted in the Church - and to have their marriage solemnized by a pastor - are also required to attend a pre-marriage course. This practice has been in place for over twenty years.

This year, only two couples registered for the biennial Pre-Marriage Course conducted from 29.06.2025 to 27.07.2025. Despite the small group, each session was thoughtfully and meticulously planned - beginning with ice-breakers, followed by engaging talks, refreshment breaks and meaningful conversations between the couples.

One of the ice-breakers.

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Some of the mid-session refreshments served.

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Cyndee Khaw and Dr. Ng Tze Yang with Pr. Lo Yi Ping.

Dr. Ivy and Pr. Malvene Chong with Pr. Lo Yi Ping.

The "graduates" and facilitators, helpers and pastor.

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This time, the "Graduation High Tea" was truly exceptional. Every detail, from the elegant table settings to the overall ambience, was meticulously planned. A dedicated team of supporters and friends oversaw the arrangements, achieving a standard comparable to that of fine dining.

David and Dianne - the second generation facilitators.

Kelvin and Wai Yan, who currently serve in the PA system ministry, attended the pre-marriage course nine years ago. Now married with two young children, they are a wonderful example of a couple continuing to grow in faith and service. When invited to step into the role of facilitators for the upcoming course, they responded positively. They will become the third generation of facilitators - a meaningful milestone that reflects the lasting impact of this ministry across the years.

Revisit Sandakan - Appreciating Educators and Teachers

I had the opportunity to revisit Sandakan on Friday, 18 July 2025. The last time my wife and I were in Sandakan was way back in December 2012, i.e. almost thirteen years ago, when we came to attend the wedding banquet of one of my female engineers (Read here). During that trip, we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan, which had only recently opened its doors in July of that year. Sadly, the hotel ceased operations at the end of May 2020, primarily due to a downturn in business brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Equally unfortunate, the marriage we celebrated during that trip did not last and ended in divorce a few years later.

This time, I had the pleasure of accompanying my wife to an Appreciation Dinner held in honor of Christian educators and teachers serving in the Sandakan District. The event recognized the dedication of those teachers and educators across a wide spectrum of institutions - from kindergartens and primary schools to secondary schools, tertiary institutions (both public and private), and tuition centers. Organized by BCCM Sandakan, the dinner took place at a restaurant in Bandar Kim Fung. For convenience and comfort, we chose to stay at the nearby Livingston Hotel, which offered both comfort and accessibility.

My wife, a committee member of the Inter-denominational Education Committee Sabah, was asked to step in for the Committee Chairman and represent him at the function. 

We would have loved to extend our stay and explore more of Sandakan’s well-known culinary offerings. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments on Sunday, we had to cut the trip short and flew back to Kota Kinabalu the following day, Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Welcome speech by the Organizing Committee 

Chairman, Vun Soon Chong  who is 

also the Chairman of the 

Sabah Theological Seminary.

Bishop of BCCM, Bishop Wong Fui Kong.

Guests at our table.
From left: Grace, Alfred (Grace's hubby),
Vun Soon Chong, Bishop Wong Fui Kong,
Rev. Hendrik Linggi Allo (Archdeacon of
Anglican Sandakan), My wife, Me,
Rev. Voo Yun Tung and
BCCM Sandakan Parish Council Chairman.

The new Education Secretary of BCCM Central Council, Grace (Middle), a member of BCCM Petagas. She succeeds Yap Pak Shun, a retiree who once served as the school principal of SM Lok Yuk Likas.

Sharing the same dinner table, I got to know Rev. Voo Yun Tung, the Parish Pastor of BCCM Sandakan District. He has been serving as the pastor for BCCM Sandakan (Chinese) for the last twelve years. 

Performance by teachers from the
Roman Catholic Church.

My wife was especially moved by a poem recited by one of the teachers during a presentation. The heartfelt delivery left a lasting impression on many in that evening. We were delighted when the Organizing Chairman, Mr. Vun, graciously offered to get a copy of the poem from the teacher for us.

"To the Heart that Teaches"

In halls where silence once did stay,

You brought the dawn of light each day.

With every word, each smile, each part,

You shaped a mind, you touched a heart.

You saw in us what we could be,

Beyond the doubt, beyond what we see.

A spark, a gift, a silent dream,

You nurtured it like flowing stream.

You are the gardener, we the seeds,

You watered us with words and deeds.

With patience like the endless sky,

You watched us grow, you let us try.

You taught us more than ABC,

More than just math and history.

You showed us how to stand tall, 

To rise again if we should fall.

You taught us values, taught us grace,

To wear a smile upon our face.

You taught us strength, but also kindness,

To lead with heart, not just with mind.

You stayed long after bell had rung,

Correcting books, your praises sung. 

Not in applause or bright spotlight,

But in the lives, you guided right.

So thank you, from our hearts so true,

For being there, for being you.

You’re not just teachers , you’re our guide,

Our second parent, friend, and pride.

Let this small poetry humbly say, 

We love you more than words can weigh. 

And though we grow and paths may part, 

You live forever in our heart.

Passing of an Unsung Hero

When I received the news of Ho Chee Seong's passing on 5 July 2025, a flood of memories came rushing back. I first came to know Chee Seong in the 1980s, during my involvement with the School Management Board of SMK Lok Yuk, SRK Lok Yuk, and SRK (C) Lok Yuk. I was then in my thirties, and he was in his forties, serving as the principal of SRK (C) Lok Yuk.

Despite our professional responsibilities, we found a common ground - table tennis. Before I eventually switched to playing badminton, we would often gather to play table tennis together, joined by another teacher, the late Lu Kah Hin. Our games took place in a simple old wooden store erected on a plot of land beside Jalan Penampang, not far from where the current Merdeka Supermarket now stands.

The wooden store was generously offered by its owner for use by BCCM Kota Kinabalu (BCCM KK), and it held special significance - it served as the initial premises for BCCM Penampang’s regular Sunday worship services. In time, BCCM Penampang acquired a nearby plot of land and built a proper church building, which stands today as the current church premises.

Sadly, Chee Seong and I had not seen each other since the days we stopped playing table tennis. Life took us on different paths, and time slipped quietly by. It was only at the funeral parlour on 6 July 2025, where I came to pay my final respects to the late Chee Seong, that I learned more about his later years. His son, William, shared with me that Chee Seong had been living alone since the passing of his wife in 2016 - nine long years of solitude. He passed away at a remarkable age of 90.

When I mentioned to William that his father, Kah Hin, and I used to play table tennis together back in the 1980s, he was very surprised. He hadn’t known that his father had once been active in this game. Curious, he turned to his sister-in-law - who worships in the same church as his father at BCCM Penampang - and she confirmed that, indeed, Chee Seong had played table tennis in his younger days.

Chee Seong’s quiet strength, dedication to education, and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures - like a friendly game of table tennis - left a deep and lasting impression on me. His passing is a poignant reminder of the many unsung heroes who devoted their lives to shaping our schools, churches and communities - not through grand gestures, but through quiet service, steady presence and enduring commitment.

At the funeral parlour with William - a friend and a brother-in-Christ in BCCM KK (E). William is an Architect and an Elder of BCCM KK (E).

Old Friends from Vancouver Revisit KK

On 16.06.2025, Daniel WhatsApped me to say that he and his wife, Carol, had recently returned to Sabah for a holiday. At that time, however, we have just returned from a tour to Xinjiang. When we were at the church on 15.06.2025, Daniel and Carol were already in Sandakan visiting Carol’s relatives - Sandakan being her hometown.

So, when I spotted them leaving the church hall right after the Sunday worship service on 29.06.2025, I quickly seized the opportunity to invite them for breakfast. I also extended the invitation to Philip and May, who had given the couple a ride to church that morning. Since seafood is often the most-missed taste for home-comers, I brought them to Wey Wey Xiang Fish Noodle at Bandar Baru Penampang - an air-conditioned eatery known for its reasonable prices and comfortable setting, perfect for long conversations over a meal.

Over breakfast, Daniel recounted how his friendship with Philip first began. When he arrived in Australia as a student at Newcastle University, he was looking for a place to stay, preferably with someone to share the cost. By what he described as divine coincidence, he was introduced to Philip, who welcomed him as a housemate. From that providential beginning, a friendship blossomed that has endured faithfully to this very day.

Daniel and Carol migrated to Canada in the 1980s, yet our paths crossed again during our tour of Canada in August 2017 (Read here). That reconnection rekindled our ties, and since then Daniel has made it a point to inform me whenever he returns home for holidays and family visits. We met again in August 2018 (Read here) and later in September 2019 (Read here), with each gathering deepening a bond that has stood the test of both time and distance.

They also mentioned that their son, Samuel - who, coincidentally, shares the same name as our own son - will soon be visiting KK with his family for a short holiday. Samuel holds a PhD in Theology and is currently serving as a pastor at a church in Vancouver.

After the meal, as we said our goodbyes, they warmly invited us to visit Vancouver again. While a return trip may be unlikely, I cannot completely rule out the possibility.

At our age, we deeply treasure these rare moments - the chance to meet, share a meal and catch up on the unique journeys that life has taken each of us through.

From left: Philip, Daniel, me, my wife, Carol and May.