Chinese Association of Johor Bahru
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From Johor Bahru Directory
The Chinese Association of Johor Bahru was the organisation which was founded in 1922 by the Chinese, led by Lin Jin He, the last head of the Ngee Heng Kongsi, after the latter organization was suppressed.[1] Wong Yee Chor, a Cantonese, was a leader of the Guangzhao Huiguan and also one of the founders of the Chinese Association of Johor Bahru. Contrary to the British attitude, the Ngee Heng was perceived by the Chinese to be the leading Chinese organisation representing the interests of the community and its demise left a gap which needed to be filled. Its name in Chinese was originally Roufu Huaqiao Gongsuo (Johor Overseas Chinese Office). After World War II, it was revived in 1946 with the name Xinshanqu Zhonghua Gonghui (Johor Bahru District Chinese Association). About 1948, this was changed to Xinshan Zhonghua Gonghui (Johor Bahru Chinese Association)
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2. Wong Shee Fun was one of the founders. He was a Cantonese entrepreneur, banker, politician and philanthropist. He held leadership positions in many Chinese organisations in both Malaysia and Singapore. In Johor, he was a member of the State Council, chairman of the Board of Governors of Foon Yew School and president of the Johor Bahru Chinese Association as well as the national Federation of Chinese Associations. He was founder-president of the Johor MCA and was national treasurer for 11 years. After the World War II, he revived the Chinese Association of Johor Bahru and emerged as its new leader.[1] One of his first tasks was to organize the purchase of land and the construction of its present building. He was a leader who was active at both the national as well as state level and led the Association to a larger view of its responsibilities. For example, it was active in urging Chinese to apply for citizenship when Malaya achieved Independence. At present, it performs both a traditional role in areas of Chinese education, religion and culture as well as a modern role in keeping with the needs of modern society.
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3. The term bang refers to sub-ethnic identity among the Chinese and the five bang associations in Johor Bahru referred to, cater to the five main sub-ethnic groups:
- Guangzhao Huiguan, founded in 1878 for the Cantonese;
- Qiangzhou Huiguan, founded in 1883 for the Hainanese;
- Fujian Huiguan, founded in 1920 for the Hokkien;
- Tongyuan She, founded in 1927) for the Hakka; and
- Teochew Eight Districts Association, founded in 1934 for the Teochew.
There are a few other traditional social organisations but they do not have the same weight in the social life of the community.
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4. The Chinese Association of Johor Bahru is not a federal entity and each of the above associations are independent organisations. It draws its leadership from the bang associations and there is a healthy movement of people between the Chinese Association and the bang associations. They cooperate closely with each other and appear to have a good understanding of what falls within their respective jurisdictions. The bang associations are proud of their closely knit relationship which is referred to as the wu bang jingsheng or the spirit of the five bang which allows them to assist and support each other but still retain their separate identities. This spirit of cooperation between the various bangs is another legacy that can be traced back to the Ngee Heng.
