Sabah’s first leader remembered by his son

Asgari Stephens, son of Fuad Stephens, shared memories of his father, a key figure in the formation of Malaysia and Sabah’s first chief minister.

Fuad Stephens, born in Kudat, Sabah in 1920, balanced his political work with a devoted family life, prioritizing education, honesty, and service to others. He was known for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, aided by his fluency in multiple languages including Malay, English, and Chinese dialects.

Fuad Stephens’s political vision centered on a united Malaysia where Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore could balance power and avoid continued colonial dependence. He initially hesitated to support Malaysia’s formation but was convinced by Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew to join as a partner. The departure of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965 deeply saddened Fuad, who had worked to persuade Sabah’s people to join the federation.

Tragically, Fuad Stephens died in a plane crash in 1976, an event known as the “Double Six” tragedy, along with his eldest son and several Sabah ministers. Asgari Stephens reflects that his father would be disappointed by Sabah’s current economic situation, noting its decline from one of Malaysia’s richest states to one of its poorest, despite abundant natural resources.

However, Asgari finds hope in the continued multiracial interactions within Sabah and hopes for a future where politicians prioritize the needs of all Sabahans.