Is rcs.org.my Legit?

It was 1961 when Tan Sri Vic Hutson was asked by the country's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, as to why there was no Commonwealth Society Malaysian Branch.Perhaps the conversation went along these lines:

Tunku : " Vic, the British have been here for a long time. For all intents and purposes, Malaysia was a British colony and many British influences have been left behind. "

Vic : "You are right Tunku. Is there something you want me to do? "

Tunku : "Why don't we have a Royal Commonwealth Society here as they do in London? "

Vic : "I suppose no one thought about it."

Tunku : "Vic,I want you to set one up."

Vic : "It is difficult and besides I cannot do it."

Tunku : "No problem. I'll get you some help."

Within a couple of weeks, Tunku had spoken to Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tun H S Lee, Tan Sri Jamil Rais, Tan Sri Khir Johari, Colonel C A Tan and Munshi Arif. They formed the Pro Tem Committee with Tan Sri Vic Hutson as the Chairman. Tunku was acknowledged as the Society's Founder. Alex Lee from Skrine & Co was appointed the Society's Secretary. The Society was registered and the first AGM was held. The Pro Tem Committee was converted to the first Branch Council. The AGM had lasted a wholesome ten minutes with Tun Tan Siew Sin as the Chair. All fifty-six members were present.

Even then, funding posed a problem for the Society. Tan Sri Vic Hutson and his Branch Council called on friends for funds. Datuk Kington Loo, a RCS Member and an architect by profession, was assigned the task of sourcing for a Club House. Once the Club House was identified and purchased, Kington and his company, BEP Akitek Sdn Bhd, was appointed to do the necessary renovations.

The question of how to generate more funds plagued the Chairman and the Branch Council. Vic Hutson was in London at Trafalgar Square when he saw the Shakespeare Building. The wood and stone architecture stamped a strong impression not only in his mind but with all those with him. Back in Kuala Lumpur, he designed it with Kington and that is how the Tudor Bar came into existence. The Branch Council continued in their quests for more income generating aspects in the Club House. Bedrooms and a room for slot were created as facilities for members and guests.

Tunku and the illustrious individuals of the Pro Tem Committee were frequent Clubbers at the Society long after they had resigned from the Branch Council. In fact, Tunku continued to frequent the Club House even when he was getting on in age and wheelchair bound. The most memorable was in February 1972 and again in October 1989 when he was on hand to receive HRH Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip to the Society. A plague at the Club House stands testimony to these visits. A brass bust of Tunku, who had a special place in his heart for RCS (Malaysian Branch), stands in the Tan Sri Vic Hutson Lounge

Vic Hutson, the Irish gentleman who was more Malaysian than most foreigners, will always be fondly remembered as Mr RCS himself. His exemplary involvement and passion from the moment Tunku approached him with the request of setting up a Royal Commonwealth Society Malaysian Branch, and building the Society to what it was till the day he passed away must be commended.

At 3pm on 19th December 1999, Vic Hutson lay in his hospital bed at the Assunta Hospital, spending his last moments with his son, Dato' Ismail Hutson. Holding tightly to Ismail's hands, he gave precise instructions for his funeral arrangements. He made his son promise him to look after his three babies: RCS, Zoo Negara and the Outward Bound School. His said: "Ismail, take care of them. Take care of the Society. Bring your own friends. Don 't bring those with their own agenda but with a passion for the Society." Tan Sri Vic Hutson passed away at 4.45pm the same day. He had been the Branch Council Chairman from 1962 to 1994.

And on the evening of 20th March 2003 at 4pm, Kington called Ismail who was at Zoo Negara at that time, and asked if everything was going right at the zoo and the Society. Kington was the Chairman of Zoo Negara. "Yes" said Ismail not realising that this was to be their last conversation. Fifteen minutes later, Kington collapsed and passed away.

Five decades have passed since RCS was formed. Five decades of countless joys, sorrows, challenges faced and overcame and wonderful cherished memories. The Society has indeed travelled on paths tested and untested and it will continue to deepen the niche set by the founding members of the Society.

As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee Anniversary, let each Fellow of RCS make a fervent commitment to move the Society forward and be involved in the true Clubbing Spirit.