REMEMBERING MY YOUNG DAYS

INTRODUCTION:

A Legacy of Compassion: My Father’s Influence and My Journey to Purposeful Living.

It was my father’s influence that inspired me to become involved in charitable organizations. After my schooling was over, and as a young adult, I dreamed of success in whatever I ventured into. I wanted to stay healthy and lead a good life with a happy family.

I need to satisfy my soul and to be able to make a difference, no matter where and who I am.  I must take charge of myself no matter how impossible a dream may seem. I am now living my dream, and I have been involved in humanitarian service for a long time now.

REMEMBERING MY YOUNG DAYS:

My early recollections of myself were that I was a timid and quiet boy. Never the inquisitive type. Perhaps that was how my mum nurtured and ingrained in me the idea that children should be seen and not heard.

My parents stayed in a rented bungalow along Ayer Itam Road, next to Gemas Lane, facing Suffolk House (now Methodist Boys’ School). The rent that my father paid was 70 (Malayan) dollars per month. Nowadays, with 70 dollars, you would be very lucky to rent a car for a day! Anyway, it was a modest white bungalow with a large playing field.  Somehow, it tied in beautifully since a school will soon be built opposite where we stayed. And that school (my alma mater) would give me boundless joy and shape my character.

117, Ayer Itam Road, Penang

MY DAD

My dad, Cheah Chin Chooi, left China in the early 1920s to seek opportunities to work in Penang. Upon immigrating, he carried his table with him. This table, he told me, would serve multiple purposes for him - it functioned as a writing surface, a sleeping area, a dining spot, and even as his makeshift office. However, he was passionate about automobiles. 

I remembered the day he rode home on a huge Norton Manx. It was a 500cc British racing motorcycle weighing nearly 310 pounds! At 6 years old, I was completely awestruck as it was my first encounter with a motorbike at close range. My dad caught the gleam in my eyes, so he took me for a spin around the house's compound.  I was thrilled by the booming sound from the exhaust, and suffice it to say, I always looked forward to the next ride. He started as a young apprentice automotive mechanic.  Dad worked at the popular Lowe Motors on Farquhar Street for some time. He was a conscientious employee, and soon enough, he would learn the tricks of the trade. Later, he left to start his own workshop. He recruited his old buddies in the same field, and in no time, the workshop increased its workforce. Nanyang Motors was established in 1940. 

Dad had bought a piece of land with his hard-earned savings and a loan from OCBC Bank. It was on the narrow Ngha Aboo Lane, off Kimberley Street. He would then install five ramps (hydraulic jacks that can lift a 5-ton truck). These facilities would lift heavy vehicles for washing vehicle undercarriages, lubrication, and oil changes.

In the fifties/sixties, there were only a couple of motor lubrication service stations. And my father was the one that topped the list with proper garage facilities and well-trained mechanics. The news of a reliable Nanyang Motors spread like wildfire, and evidently, the business grew rapidly. Quite an achievement for a young man who came with nothing but courage!

Interestingly, Dad had a quirky habit. He habitually carried a tin of his favorite “555’s, State Express” a very popular brand then. Dad would offer his cigarettes to those whom he met, and they would become friends over some puffs and casual chats. He managed to make friends with the bosses of bus companies and a trucking company. Many would turn to Nanyang Motors to have their vehicles serviced. Before long, Dad had opened another branch in Alor Star. I still have fond memories of riding in his open-hood Morris Minor to Alor Star on Fridays to stay for the weekend and return home on Sundays.  In 1965, my father passed the branch to his devoted clerk to continue the business.

Dad loved Alsatian-breed dogs. We had three German Shepherds to guard our modestly white rented bungalow. My dad would ensure that the dogs were well-disciplined and obedient to the master’s commands. We all felt safe at night as our dogs were taller than me in a standing position!

MY EARLY EDUCATION 

I remember that our household was well taken care of by a domestic servant, affectionately called ‘Wong Cheh’. 

She was a ‘black and white’ amah, wearing traditional attire of black trousers and a white blouse, and she was just as devoted as the other amahs who came from faraway China. She spoke Cantonese fluently, and soon enough, I picked up the slang from her. Once in a while, she would go back to her dormitory on Muntri Street, Penang, where she would meet up with her fellow amahs. They were her family.  

 

I began my education at Pykett Methodist Primary School on Westland Road. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my school days as my parents paid little attention to what I did in school or afterward. Thanks to Wong Cheh, I always ended up with top marks for hygiene in school. She made sure I wore the school uniform that was spotlessly white, well-starched, and looked smooth and crisp. My fingernails were neatly trimmed.  And like Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, my hair was well-combed and styled. Brylcreem and Tancho were everybody's favorite brands then!

As a young kid, I was truly lucky. I was chauffeured and driven to school by my father’s mechanic. Students and potential bullies thought that the driver was my bouncer/bodyguard and would not take advantage of my gentle demeanor. Perhaps he was. In reality, he was my uncle!

My mother, Ong Guat Eng, was a quiet and reserved lady. She would give me canteen money for my daily recess meal. Daily, thirty cents was placed on the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard. That was quite a luxurious sum then. Those days, a bowl of noodle soup or fried mee hoon cost ten cents, while a snack may cost another ten cents. I saved five to ten cents, and when added up, that was a lot of money I could save by the end of the month.  

After completing Standard 6, I continued my secondary education at ACS Suffolk House in Ayer Itam for six months. By then, the new building of Methodist Boys’ School (MBS) had been completed, and I continued my Form 1 studies in the new building. Part of the Suffolk building was used as a canteen, and some rooms were converted into a darkroom for photography and some societies. I clearly remember there was also a dental clinic where many students were scared stiff when their names were called.

Among the several activities the school offered, I took part in the Scouts’ Movement. It lasted for four months, and later, I opted for the 3rd Company Boys’ Brigade (BB). Perhaps, I was fascinated by the Corps of Drums. I was quite active in the BB Band, playing the flute, bugle, and drums. The training session for the drums was held at Pykett School on a long table. Something I looked forward to!

Till today, I can still vividly recall camping at Coronation Camp, just outside the Botanical Garden. I can also recall the day when the BB band displayed the fruits of our hours of BB training. We had gallantly marched from the Coronation Camp to the Botanical Gardens to play lively tunes. The musical display resonated throughout the garden for nearly an hour. I believe such displays in the garden should be revived on weekends. Music is good for the soul!

That being said, I regularly attended church services because it was a part of BB’s activities.  Notably, I won some prizes for Bible classes! I even helped organize a fundraising event. We sold 50-cent tickets for a box office movie entitled “Friendly Persuasion”. The rented war drama movie, which starred Gary Cooper, was screened at Wesley Church on Burmah Road. This will be my first venture into charity projects.

Back in the day, there was no television.  Thankfully, Dad had bought me an 8mm silent cine projector. Initially, I invited a couple of classmates to my house and screened the few movies that I had. Soon enough, word got to all of my friends about my projector. Almost everyone wanted to pop over and watch one or two movies. I truly enjoyed the company of friends, and many of my schoolmates became my close friends. My house’s large compound served as our playground, and the living room served as our study room. Our math teacher, Mr. Lim Hock Soon would often drop by and help some of my classmates.

MY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Despite my petite stature, I actively participated in the school gymnastics squad and had the honour of consistently being positioned at the forefront during our performances. Mr. Sharma, our gymnastics instructor, was a strict disciplinarian in his training methods, yet he served as a great source of motivation for me.

I played badminton and had a team called ‘Silver Star’. We took part in several private tournaments, usually played in associations. I was also active in bowling and I continued playing even when I left school. My Bowling Team was known as ‘The Emeralds”. We won several events at Salvoy Bowl which had become the team’s second home for a reason, we were there practically every evening.

HOBBIES

As a young person, I found myself drawn to the vibrant stamps, which eventually turned into a hobby during my early twenties. I collected used stamps from postcards and envelopes, carefully preserving them on album pages. I educated myself on the proper methods of storing and valuing stamps, using tools like a magnifying glass, tweezers, and watermark detectors. However, as the years went by and I began working, I somehow misplaced the album. Recently rediscovered, I was devastated to find it infested with white ants, forcing me to reluctantly burn it.

SCHOOL DAYS ARE OVER

In the blink of an eye, my school days passed by very quickly. It’s goodbye to my wonderful schoolmates, colorful teachers, dreadful tests and examinations, unwelcome homework, and fun outdoor activities.  An interesting anecdote is that I used to blow the bugle to signal a change in class periods during examinations. It has to be loud and clear!

I realize that the carefree environment will now be replaced by new responsibilities and expectations.  My teenage life was fast finishing as I anxiously looked forward to more independence. That day came when I left school in 1961. As the eldest in the family, I was thrown into the deep end of the pool! I started working and learning the ropes of the auto service business from my dad. The challenges of adulthood loom. I must confess to looking at the prospect of courtship (“paktor” in our local language), marriage, and fatherhood. A whole new world! 

No, not yet. I was still young. I participated in the St. John's Ambulance Brigade; activities which I liked and enjoyed. I got to know many friends. Among my closest friends was Quah Bah Aik. He was also a St. John's Ambulance Brigade (SJAB) member earlier than me. I became a Life Member after many years of involvement and was appointed the status of President of SJAB Corp 4 Division.

My SJAB uniform regalia

The SJAB Headquarters along Macalister Road was my preferred hunting ground where I could be called upon to attend duties at football games. I fulfilled my night duties at the General Hospital, eagerly anticipating an urgent request for an ambulance. During the wait, I occupied myself by meticulously rolling bandages.

I always remember his Lambretta scooter with the registration PA 3238. Quah had the usual “Vespa” problems when he picked up his girlfriend, Ivy. My early friends were Moh Kean Hock, a teacher (aka Moh Si Tong), Loh Kim Seong, a banker, the late Leong Ah Kin from the State Machinery Department, Jimmy, from Eastern Smelting, Steven Teh, an insurance manager, Tony Khoo, Lee Wah banker and the late Goh Thean Soo, TNB department. Together, we would go for evening drives and dinner. The ladies include Nancy Teh Saw Choo, Shirley Loh, and Elena Mok Swee Chee. We were all friends and would often, meet up at some place.

ADULTHOOD

The 60s era was as colorful as it was eventful. Rock and roll was born. The image of Chubby Checker cajoling the crowd to do the Twist was iconic. “Is it a bird, is it a plane … “ It was also the era of the flower people and the tie-dye colorful culture. The Fabulous Four with their mop-top hair kept churning out hit after hit. The psychedelic drug habit had started to rear its ugly head. Bell bottoms became the craze. And there was a fight for equality for Blacks and women.

Back home, Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation on September 16, 1963, and Malaysia was formed. We were serenaded by P. Ramlee and practically everyone was glued to television series like Star Trek, The Samurai and I Dream of Jeannie. On May 13, 1969, Sino-Malay sectarian violence erupted with widespread rioting, looting, and assaults. That same year, on a July afternoon, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon!

MY FIRST ENCOUNTER

I recall the day when I first met Lucy. She stayed at Nirvana Road, off Anson Road.  One day,  I visited my friend Mary. I noticed a timid girl glancing from behind the second partition of the hallway. I saw her little chin and fair look. I felt an exciting rush of excitement inside me -  she was the one I wanted most, but an elusive one! Just like the Cinderella story, she did not join our gatherings or outings  …  until much later.

 

Lucy had just finished her Form V. I gathered enough courage and invited her to our first outing! It was a simple Christmas party attended by our usual group of friends.

 

Her eldest sister, Baby (Dorothy Chuah), was there (as a chaperone?). We were always cautious around Lucy and treated her well. Later, I would often “tar pau” a packet of fried noodles or dumplings whenever we were late coming home with her sister.  

 

Saturdays were always inviting because it was outing day. I remember attending one such outing with the YMCA “Gang”. It was held on the club’s badminton court. The hall was well decorated with coloured banners and balloons. Folk dance was the theme. We danced happily to the Mexican Shuffle, Virginia Reel, and Do-si-do. What happy times!

 

One day, I remember seeing Lucy dressed in white, standing alone at the hall entrance, and our eyes met briefly. She was the quiet and timid type, a woman of few words. I noticed that she kept looking in my direction. So, I approached her good friend Seok Loo and asked if she had confided in her about me. I resolved to know Lucy better! One day, I plucked up enough courage and phoned her. With a trembling voice and fearing rejection, I asked: “Will you be free to go for a spin?”. I remember fondly asking her, and she responded with a giggle. “I will think about it” before hanging up. Later, I believed that her protective elder sister prevented her from going out.

Days passed, and there was no call from her. Oh no, it is over. I thought dejectedly. When I least expected it, Cupid struck. She called and asked if I would be free on the upcoming Sunday. Somehow, I had to make myself free despite all my numerous assignments.

On Sunday, at 11 am sharp, I drove to her house. I met her sister Mary, who told me that she was upstairs.  I waited patiently. It seemed like hours before she slowly walked down.  Driving my Toyota Crown with a cooler box (fridge) in the boot, I drove her all around town and outside. We stopped at several places of interest, including Batu Maung - the seafood haven. I must be in heaven!

GOING STEADY

By 1969, I knew I had found my soulmate in Lucy. 

We had been going out “steady” as was the term in those days. Soon, we decided to tie the knot.  The date was set for. Wedding invitation cards were dispatched, and we were so looking forward to the day. Our chosen day, May 13th, as it turned out, was the darkest in Malaysia’s history. Indeed a very sad day with an outbreak of race riots and violence. We had to postpone our wedding to the following month.

Before long, our friendship blossomed into love, and soon we were talking about marriage. There was a major obstacle as she told me that she would be furthering her studies overseas, taking up nursing. In my moment of silence and dejection, she surprised me by saying that she would stay behind for me. It must have been one of the happiest moments in my life!

Plans were set in motion as we planned our wedding. I had a long guest list as my network of friends was extensive. We had difficulty hunting for a venue as large wedding halls were few and far between in those days.  Eventually, we settled in a school hall. We invited Mr. Wang Yoong Nien, the principal of Chung Ling High School to chair the event and rented the school hall.  Two caterers were identified to serve dinner for 100 tables! Our tea reception was held at the iconic Chusan Hotel.

Thank God, my friends were always ready to lend a helping hand. Mok Kean Hock was the most suited to be the emcee. My cousin, Kuan Chye, and his friends organized their band in Chusan. I also invited my Lions President (being a member since 1965) to give a speech and hear the Lions’ roar.

We settled nicely into married life. Our marriage bore us two beautiful children, May Choo on 13/2/1971, and Ghim Hong on 16/6/1974, who cemented our love and brought priceless joy to our lives. Two years later, we bought our first landed property at Minden Heights from my classmate, Dr. Lim Eng Chye. Lee was immigrating to Australia. I was faced with a conundrum,  about letting my parents know. They might think we were moving away. Thankfully, we managed to rent out the house to Dr. Lim for a year before he left. The rent was enough to defray our monthly payments for our bank loan.

 

Being human, I cannot guarantee that I will always say things nicely and do all the things I do now. I want to continue to be active, and my favorite interest is serving the community.

(RH Photo: My dad with my son, Ghim Hong)

Lucy was occupied with work...writing and taking calls. 

I am a Life Member of Lions Clubs International and am still serving the community. I would say that the Lions Movement has been an asset to me, as many friends moved away after I retired from working. But I still have friends who are Lions. I guess, as Lions, we have a common denominator to talk about when we meet, and that’s helping the community with no personal interest.

Being in the motor trade, I did not buy new cars to use as there were many used cars available for use. Peugeot was the type of car I used most of the time. I drove a Peugeot 204, 403, 404, 504 , 405 and now 406. When my dad passed on in 1976, I was tempted to buy a new car and I did.  I bought my first new car, a Peugeot 405 which cost RM70K. 

 

I take up the computer as my hobby, which keeps me going and learning whatever new program software is available. And here I am sharing what I can remember during my early days.

I started an insurance agency and with the help of friends, I developed a successful business. 

Fast forward to 2019 June 22nd, 50 years later! Our Golden Jubilee! However, that day passed without much of a ‘hoo-har," although I have been reminiscing about the days gone by and the days ahead. Looking back, I felt a sense of nostalgia, pride, and satisfaction. Indeed, we have been blessed and live the good life.

THE CHEAH FAMILY

The Elders: Mr. Cheah Chin Chooi & Spouse Ong Gaik Eng

Sons: Cheah Cheng Wah & Spouse Chuah Siew Bee & Children: May Choo and Ghim Hong

Cheah Cheng Teik & Spouse Lam Ket Lin & Children: Thomas and Daren Cheah Choon Kooi & Spouse Ong Bee Sit & Children: Swee Leng, Swee Kim,  Joo Hun