The visit of YB Dato' Seri Azalina Othman and her Officers from Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan (KBS) to the BBM HQ

On September 7, 2007, we received a faxed letter from the office of the Minister of Youth and Sports (KBS) requesting BBM to attend a meeting to discuss the details of the YB Dato's visit to the BBM HQ. At the meeting on September 12, 2007, the Brigade Secretary was briefed on the purpose of the Minister's visit and the date of her visit was fixed for October 8, 2007.

Upon informing of her visit, Exco members got excited and preparations to welcome her to BBM HQ were underway. BBM HQ was to look presentable and all Exco members were to be in Formal Uniform to welcome her.

On October 8, 2007 all Exco members and HQ staffs arrived early to prepare for her coming. Some of the Exco members were seen giving a final touch up on the wall, floor and surrounding areas of the BBM HQ. Nearing 10am, all Exco members lined up at the gate to welcome her. To make sure that all were ceremonially-correct, Captain Joseph Tin checked on our uniforms and helped us to adjust our Glengarries, lanyards, name tags, etc. While this ‘inspection' was happening, the Pegawai-pegawai from the Ministry of Youth and Sports started to arrive. The excitement and anticipation built up.

Finally, after much preparation and anticipation, the historic event took place at 10.20 a.m. with the arrival of the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Dato' Seri Azalina Dato' Othman Said at the BBM HQ. Upon alighting from her black Proton Perdana, Brigade Patron, YB Datuk Ron Tan Kee Kwong and Brigade President, Captain Michael Moorthy greeted and welcomed her. Captain Michael then introduced her to the Exco members who were already lined up to greet her.

Among the many Pegawai from KBS who accompanied her were Dato' Haji Fathul (Ketua Pengarah, Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negara), Dato' Suroya B. Selamat (Pendaftar Pertubuhan Belia Malaysia ), Professor Dr. Samsudin (CEO, IPPBM), Puan Hajjah Che Zaharah (Timbalan Ketua Pengarah, Bahagian Pembangunan Belia), Puan Wasitah (Timbalan Ketua Pengarah, Bahagian Rakan Muda), and Engku Mohd Azmi (COO, IPPBM).

The small room in our HQ was not able to contain the more than 40 people who attended. Only selected few were able to be in the room for the dialogue. After every one had exchanged greetings and settled down, the Brigade Secretary, Captain Eric Tan officially greeted YB Dato' Seri Azalina and all team of officers . Captain Michael Moorthy was called upon to give his Welcome Speech. In his speech, he thanked YB Dato' Seri Azalina for visiting BBM HQ.

He expressed that it was the very first time in history for a Federal Minister to visit the BBM HQ. Captain Michael underscored his gratitude to YB Dato' Seri for her consent and kindness for visiting us with her officers. His speech was followed by a Powerpoint presentation on the profile of BBM.

The dialogue session began with YB Dato' Seri telling us the purpose of her short visit, which was to strengthen the relationship between KBS and BBM. Secondly, it was to hear from each us our aspirations and concerns. Knowing that some of our BB Coys are in schools, YB Dato' Seri' encouraged us to take advantage of our Prime Minister's plan to strengthen extra-curricular activities in schools. She urged us to expand into more schools, particularly in mission-based schools.

As to our concern about the implementation of the Youth Act 2006, the Registrar of Youth (Pendaftar Pertubuhan Belia Malaysia), Datuk Suroya comforted us by saying that BBM could form a youth wing for members aged between 15 and 40 and to register this youth wing under KBS. On the similar note, YB Dato' encouraged us to do likewise and jokingly she asked us to name it BB2 or whatever name we may call it. She reiterated that the Act is not to make life harder for any parties but instead, the Act seeks to empower youth to organize their organizations. She requested that we contact her Pegawai for a dialogue and asked us to drop by at her ministry to meet her Pegawai for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. She invited us to make use of the Rakan Muda Sports Complexes around the country, which is equipped with world class facilities.

She was in a jovial mood and her sense of humor surely put us at ease talking to her. The dialogue was warm, welcoming and friendly.

Her short visit came to an end at about 11.20 a.m. After bidding farewell to each one and the group photo taken, her black Proton Perdana drove her off and we lost sight of her.

In short, we can say that this has been a good meeting having the chance to meet the Minister and her Pegawai face to face, at our premises. Hearing from her personally about the Youth Act is certainly comforting. Surely, Exco will consider her input and devise a plan to register BBM in the Act.

Report by,

Captain Eric Tan