During my gap year travels I wanted to visit Sabah, which along with Sarawak, is part of Borneo; together both comprise eastern Malaysia. I wished to see the animal sanctuaries there - perhaps even work in one of them. Unfortunately, not long before I left, my college friend decided not to go. So I prepared to travel by myself. My father contacted Joseph Chow, a Past Master of Lodge Kinabalu, No. 7047, in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, to see if he could help me meet some local people my own age.
    Upon arriving at Kota Kinbalu, I telephoned him, and he generously offered to welcome me into his home for the duration of my stay there. He put time aside to show me the lodge, introduce me to many other members and to answer any questions I had.
    I was extremely well looked after by him and his beautiful wife, Ding Dong, his nephew and others who I am thankful to; I couldn’t have stayed with a kinder family. But it was not only them that I found to be so kind; other Freemasons I met were sincere, generous and great fun.

The New Freemasons' Hall in Sabah

I was invited into the new Freemasons’ Hall which was designed and created by architect and Freemason, David Shen. A billboard inside showed the former building and underlined the incredible transformation which had been achieved - by all, for each member of the lodges meeting there made a contribution - big or small - to the new building. All the stained glass, for example, was donated by a very generous Brother.
    I was lucky enough to meet David Shen who discussed his ideas and explained his work to me. He showed great enthusiasm for the project despite the length of time and trouble it took to complete. He is proud of the finished creation - and so he should be, for it is beautiful and much needed.
    Lodge Kinabalu was consecrated in Sabah in 1951. This Lodge, along with Beaufort Lodge, No. 7989, originally met in an old wooden church but as it was rather dilapidated, in 2000, it was decided to replace it. Work quickly began to design and build on the same site - a prime location on a slight hill with a view of the city of Kota Kinabalu.
    The foundation stone was laid by Lord Northampton on 16 April 2000 while he was Assistant Grand Master; as Pro Grand Master, he returned to dedicate the new Masonic Hall on 24 May 2004 with the support of the District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago, Datuk Dr. Yeoh Poh Hong.
    The new Freemasons’ Hall is spacious and filled with light; it is an architectural work of art. Upon entering you find yourself in the main hall which is lined on the right hand side by a row of windows, each one containing between one and four stained glass coats-of-arms - one from each of the masonic lodges in South East Asia.
    At the far end of the main hall is a small kitchen - catering for everyday use as well as special events. Turning left takes you along a short corridor; on the right is the library which was still being completed on my visit. Upholding English tradition, it has a heavy wooden door, dark wood furniture and books lining the walls.
    Opposite the Library is the entrance into the Temple - an inspiring room with no detail overlooked. Its ceiling stretches high above in an octagonal shape. It is a quiet and deeply traditional place with a mysterious aura surrounding it.

Integration into Society

Sabah comes within the masonic jurisdiction of the District of the Eastern Archipelago which is under the United Grand Lodge of England. Lodges are working in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Taiping, Port Dickson, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Muar, Seremban and Sungai Petani (Malaysian Peninsular); Kuching (Sarawak); Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Tawau and Sandakan (Sabah); Singapore; Bangkok and Pattaya (Thailand).
    Freemasons in Sabah tend to be people who are highly respected in society. Many are doctors, lawyers, and architects who will help each other to their limit if necessary. New brothers are chosen carefully by their connection with Freemasonry, their dedication and personal qualities. They need to enter the lodge having no want of power or pride. They have to respect other Brethren, and learn and adopt the values of the Brotherhood into their lives.
    Freemasons here - as elsewhere - do a lot for society but little is known about them by the general population. They are very charitable, donating money to worthy causes both in and around Kota Kinabalu such as the Sri Mengasih Centre for Cerebral Palsy. Across the entire District, charities for children, abused women, homes for the aged and sick, hospices, hospitals, the Red Cross, and schools all have received help from masonic efforts

The Value of Freemasonry

As I’ve seen it, Freemasonry isn’t about standing alone. Freemasons are connected to others by their unifying beliefs. It is the same with the lodges. They each have their own members but many events are held in collaboration with other nearby lodges such as the very popular ladies’-nights held once a year at each of the different lodges.
    There is continual contact between the lodges and several visits are made each year to surrounding lodges and some Brethren visit the larger ones in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. There is an emphasis on helping each other and creating a balance among the lodges.
    My impression of the Freemasons I met is that they were exactly as people should be and how I believe Freemasons are: they were kind, generous, caring, fun and friendly.
    To all with whom I met, thank you so much; if everyone would follow your example our world would have far less to worry about.

Tansy Baigent spent eleven months travelling in Asia, Australasia and South America and now is reading Law and International Relations at University and is also an enthusiastic member of the British Army’s OTC - they climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah; she is looking forward to returning.