My first assignment as the KL Full Time Officer (official title is Executive Secretary, but it sounded too chim for a nature it ought to be) started with a visitation to the 2nd Kuala Lumpur Company on the early mornings of 15th October 2011, a Saturday. Parade was held at their usual grounds at Grace Methodist Church Sentul. Attendance was hampered mainly by exams and a non-BB excursion some of the Boys were having, but that didn't stop a loyal 10 Boys and the one steadfast captain from coming!
2nd KL Opening Parade - Attendance was poor mainly due to exams
2nd Kuala Lumpur is one of those companies which has roughed it out over the years. Having being formed in 1957, pretty much the same year as the country, was one of the few companies formed when BBM was still the FCMBB. In the past decade, it has constantly been threatened to closure due to its relatively small membership, partly due to the shrinking population of recruitable Boys in their school base, Methodist Boys' School Sentul (SMK (L) Methodist, Sentul). Still, the moral of the 2nd KL story is that not once did it go in-active or close down. That's the meaning of Steadfastness!
The Company has saw three different captains in the last 4 years, dues to various sensitive reasons. At present, Mr Cephas Yap faithfully leads the Boys and it's few officers. The was a standard BB program - the opening parade, singspiration, games, band, Christian Education and closing parade. There was no drill that Saturday as they extended the band to practice for an upcoming performance for school.
Pte. Terence Lee doing a forfeit during an games session
Personally, I do not find 2nd KL Boys any different from those from other all Boy companies. The passion and yearning for brotherhood is exactly the same. This is key towards the attractiveness of the BB, that is fellowship - BB's main source of retention. From there, the Object too can be realised.
In the last year, Cephas was able to stabilise the programs and make things more consistent - another thing which is extremely crucial. Our Boys can clearly see our mistakes, as much as we like to assume how dumb and inexperienced they are, when in actual fact they see our cover ups and excuses as clear as day. In the past 2nd KL was plagued by officers and senior NCOs who go absent at will, something absolutely unacceptable no matter what background one is from nor whatever the circumstance. This will only lay a dying foundation, spiraling out of control year after year, until one day people just decide not to come altogether, for a few weeks, which eventually turn permanent. Fortunately, this culture is slowly being weeded out of the company through firm discipline and care.
I'm confident 2nd KL will recover to a greater strengths in the future. With people such as their capable officers and enthusiastic Boys laying a foundation to the future, things will slowly but surely improve. There are talks of them acquiring another school for recruitment next year. I hope I can assist them the best I can.
It's high time The Boys' Brigade in Kuala Lumpur to shine!
