Fuad Stephens, ‘Bapa Malaysia dari Sabah’, di mata anaknya

Asgari Stephens, Fuad Stephens's son, shares heartfelt memories of his father, who was known as 'Bapa Malaysia dari Sabah'. Fuad was not just a beloved figure but also a loving and devoted father, always prioritizing family. He would make a point to return home for dinner, with his children expected to be present, anyone absent needing an explanation.

"You can't simply refuse to come," Asgari recalled his son saying with a smile. This devotion to family was evident in Fuad's life, even amidst his busy schedule of public service. Despite his days filled with community work, he ensured his family remained close, often spending time by the sea. Asgari described Fuad as a deeply loving father, often overwhelmed by the demands of his public life.

Born in Kudat, Sabah on September 14, 1920, Fuad would have turned 106 this year, just two days shy of Malaysia's independence day. Known as 'Bapa Malaysia dari Sabah', Fuad played a crucial role in the discussions leading to Malaysia's formation and later became Sabah's first Chief Minister. Asgari, however, initially had reservations about the proposal for Malaysia's formation.

"Without unity among Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore as balancing powers, our position might have been weak," he explained. Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, he believed, played a significant role in convincing Fuad to support Malaysia's formation. The two had worked together through the formation process and sat in a committee to decide their roles within Malaysia.

However, Singapore's decision to leave Malaysia in 1965 deeply saddened Fuad. Just a day later, he wrote a letter to Lee expressing his deep sorrow and disappointment.