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

Fuad Stephens, known as 'Bapa Malaysia dari Sabah', was loved not only as a beloved national figure but also as a loving father who prioritized family. Asgari Stephens, his son, always insisted that Fuad would make an effort to return home for dinner, with his children expected to be at the table. If anyone missed a meal, an explanation was required.

Asgari stated, "You cannot simply not come," as he smiled. This habit illustrated how important family was to Fuad. Despite a busy schedule filled with civic duties, the national hero still made time to ensure his family remained close, often spending time by the sea. Asgari remarked, "He is a father who is extremely affectionate.

Sometimes, even I don't know how he manages to do so much." Born on September 14, 1920, in Kudat, Sabah, Fuad would have turned 106 just two days before Malaysia's 55th anniversary. Known as 'Bapa Malaysia dari Sabah', he played a crucial role in the discussions leading to Malaysia's formation and later became the first Chief Minister of Sabah.

However, for Asgari, Fuad was primarily a father who prioritized his children's education and taught them the values of honesty and responsibility to serve society. Fuad's friendly nature extended beyond his home, as he easily interacted with locals and even the Prime Minister. Fluent in Malay, English, and several Chinese dialects, Fuad also learned Japanese during World War II and used his language skills to help others write letters in English to authorities.

A Eurasian-Kadazan, Fuad converted to Islam alongside his family in 1971 but remained close to the Kadazan community, whom he considered his 'Huguan Siou', or highest leader. "In his will, he also expressed his best hopes for the Kadazan community," Asgari said, often saddened by the memory. Nevertheless, Fuad's dream for Sabah encompassed inclusivity and merit-based development, focusing on empowering the population.

Asgari believed his father envisioned a Sabah that was more inclusive and based on merit, with an emphasis on developing the people's skills. At the same time, Fuad did not want Sabah to achieve independence but to remain dependent on the colonial administration's structure. "At that time, graduates in Sabah were scarce, and the government remained dominated by the British," Asgari explained.

Lee Kuan Yew played a significant role in convincing Fuad to support the formation of Malaysia. Initially hesitant, Fuad eventually agreed, recognizing the importance of unity among Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore to balance power. However, Singapore's withdrawal from Malaysia on August 9, 1965, deeply saddened Fuad. Shortly after, he wrote a letter to Lee expressing his sorrow, saying, "Like death, tears, a broken heart, I lost direction and felt betrayed."

Fuad perished in the 'Double Six' air crash on June 6, 1976, alongside his eldest son, Johari, and nine others. At 55 years old, just weeks into his second term as Chief Minister of Sabah, Fuad's sudden death left a void in the state. Asgari, who studied at a state-funded school in Australia, learned of his father's death in the early morning news.

For years following the tragedy, Asgari felt like living in a 'black cloud'. Looking back, Asgari believed his father would view the current state of Sabah with disappointment. "Once, we were the richest state, but now we are among the poorest. After decades of independence, this outcome is surprising." Almost half a century after Fuad's passing, Asgari continues to cherish his legacy and the inclusive Sabah he envisioned.