The Dawn of a New Era in the Eastern Archipelago: A Celebration of Masonic Rulership and Values (Unabridged)

Editor’s note: This edition of The Dawn of a New Era in the Eastern Archipelago is the official unabridged version, produced for the EA. It includes full names, expanded narratives, and additional images, and is intended for archival, fraternal, and institutional reference. A previously circulated abridged version by the UGLE offered a condensed summary for broader international distribution.

The Eastern Archipelago is no recent edifice. With English lodges in Sumatra since 1765, Penang from 1809, and Singapore in 1845, it has a storied history long before the establishment of the District Grand Lodge in 1858 and the District Grand Chapter in 1906. The Eastern Archipelago has seen 18 Grand Masters and 13 Grand Superintendents, until the weekend of 6 and 7 June 2025, when RW Bro Mahathir Mahzan was ceremonially installed as the 19th District Grand Master and 14th Grand Superintendent of the Eastern Archipelago. This moment afforded a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of Masonic rulership and the crystallisation of the values that have defined the Craft across centuries. 

Even before the formal proceedings commenced, W Bro Mahathir and his lady, Jasmine Cheung, extended their hospitality towards hosting a welcome dinner on the evening of Thursday, 5 June, at the Soleil Restaurant. The atmosphere was elegant, as distinguished past and present rulers, and their delegates, from across the Masonic world, gathered for an evening of fine dining. The Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, RW Bro Sir Michael Snyder, having arrived earlier that day from Borneo, was among the honoured guests. This was alongside others from the Atlantic Archipelago, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and the Oceanic region across varying Masonic constitutions. Their arrivals had been carefully coordinated, with personalised airport pickups arranged by senior brethren such as W Bros Ralph Ratnaswamy, Leong Seng Tat, David Mathews, Melvinder Singh, Kulavarasalingam Chelliah, Ravin Karunanidhi, Alvin Lam and Rajesh Kumar, with hotel rooms liaised by W Bro Julian Blaydes. Within the private dining room, guests were treated to delightful courses and convivial conversation. Glasses were raised, hands extended, and laughter flowed in a tie of affection.

Earlier that afternoon, to receive visiting dignitaries and attend to key matters, W Bro Mahathir, an avid golfer, forwent the Eastern Archipelago Golf Championship at Templer Park Country Club organised by W Bro Ramesh Sivanathan. A total of twelve flights competed. Each flight was generously provisioned with a bottle of Glengrant 15-year-old whisky, a shoe bag, a golf towel featuring the District Grand Lodge’s and Chapter’s coat of arms, a sleeve of Wilson Duo golf balls, as well as in-game refreshments including beer and mineral water. The fun extended well beyond the course, with lunch accompanied by spirits and beers, and dinner featuring a full buffet complemented by a roast lamb and free-flowing drinks. Prizes were awarded across five categories: Champion Mason, Champion Non-Mason, Champion Flight, Winner Gross Score, and the Wooden Spoon, each awarded with a bespoke embossed plaque. The golf and dinner were a fitting prelude to the convocation, conversation and camaraderie awaiting everyone on Friday.

On the morning of Friday, 6 June, registration was facilitated by the Eastern Archipelago District Grand Stewards’ Lodge, following on from the electronic process designed by W Bro Lawrance Annies. Everyone received a physical copy of the commemorative book The Installation of the District Grand Master and Grand Superintendent: 6 & 7 June 2025. It was the collective effort of W Bros Niran Rajaratnam, Tai Zee How, Datuk Dr Vijendran Markandu and Bro Sajeet Saudagar. At 1pm, we gathered at the Read Masonic Centre, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the Annual Convocation of the District Grand Chapter of the Eastern Archipelago, where Excellent Companion Mahathir Mahzan was installed as the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent. When asked for my immediate reflections on what I had witnessed, I could not help but notice the occasion's ritual precision and solemnity, and how naturally the Grand Superintendent assumed the mantle of his new office. There was a distinct sense that something ancient had been renewed.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the weekend was the Ladies Programme, amiably hosted by Jasmine in her signature blend of effervescence and wholehearted warmth. Her cheerful presence set the tone for a fun afternoon, allowing the ladies to revel in each other’s company. Beginning at 3:30 pm, the programme was an immersive, hands-on perfume workshop titled “Discover the Art of Fragrance Creation”. It was a sensorial journey through the history of perfumery, families of scents, and the intricate art of blending top, middle, and base notes. With personalised guidance and access to premium ingredients, the thirty-two ladies attending designed their signature fragrance. Adding an element of fun and engagement, checkpoints during the session included a light-hearted quiz, with winners receiving beautifully curated gifts such as scented shower gels, body and hand creams. The event concluded with a group photo of the participants holding their workshop certificates. It captured a moment filled with smiles, laughter, and the playful gesture of finger hearts, symbolising their affection.

This was followed at 5 pm by a Climate Change Forum, which introduced a thought-provoking dimension to the day’s proceedings. A panel of speakers, introduced by Bro Anand Ramakrishnan, comprising Arina Kok, Dr Yasmin Yashoda and W Bro Alfred Subra Kereshanan elucidated on one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The Deputy Grand Master affirmed the importance of the initiative to the United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry globally, and society at large. Following him, RW Bro Dato’ Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy offered a characteristically forthright address as to those he felt were chiefly responsible for the current environmental crisis, before asserting the strategic importance of the fund. The initiative was conceptualised under his leadership, and he expressed that Freemasonry needed to exercise its moral responsibility in a rapidly changing world. Friday concluded with a joyful fellowship. JC & Ice kept the atmosphere vibrant, belting favourite hits as ladies, brethren and guests mingled over generously served drinks. W Bro LK Wong organised the extensive culinary spread. Peri peri chicken drumsticks, corn salsa, baked fish with olives and cherry tomatoes, and roasted vegetables including zucchini, king oyster mushrooms, fried tempura shishamo and prawns. Three whole roast lambs, carved fresh, served with mint and black pepper sauces, garlic bread, and salad, were devoured. There was seafood fried rice and a live station of local food comprising curry laksa, roti bom with dhal and chicken curry, satay with nasi impit. Sweet endings came in the form of cendol with red bean, fresh fruit platters, and chilled calamansi drinks. It was a night of easy fraternity, full stomachs, and full hearts.

Saturday’s focus shifted to the plush surroundings of M Resort & Hotel, where brethren gathered over a convivial lunch in anticipation. By 1 pm, the august assembly of Freemasons across Masonic Constitutions, including District and Provincial Grand Masters, Grand Officers, and other visiting dignitaries from around the globe, were seated. The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Sir Michael Snyder, presided over the installation of RW Bro Mahathir Mahzan as the District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago. He was assisted by his installing team, comprising RW Bro Percy Driver (District Grand Master of Bombay), RW Bro Ferhad Nilgiria (District Grand Master of Sri Lanka), W Bro Sukhdarshan Singh Dhillon (Acting Grand Chaplain), W Bro Matthew Burrows (Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies), and W Bro Varpal Singh Sagoo (District Grand Director of Ceremonies), along with his team.

Having been installed through a ceremony steeped in the time-honoured traditions of Masonic rulership since 1717, the RW District Grand Master addressed the assembled brethren for the first time in his new office. His words were considered and assuring. Framing his role as a trust, he pledged to serve with integrity, compassion, and fidelity to the ancient landmarks of the Craft. He thanked the Deputy Grand Master, the installing team, the Sister Districts and Constitutions brethren, the Organising Chairman, and his Immediate Past District Grand Master for his nine years in the chair.

RW Bro Mahathir’s address extended beyond gratitude. He articulated a strategic vision for the Eastern Archipelago, founded in Masonic values and a delivery that will live long in the memory of those present. He communicated the five pillars of his rulership: Unity, Membership, Engagement, Excellence, and Community. He urged brethren to unite, to reject division and pettiness. He highlighted the need for quality members who desired to serve. On engagement, he affirmed the crucial roles of lodge mentors and almoners. Turning to ceremonial work, he encouraged mindful excellence. Finally, he called upon Freemasons to live their values outwardly, through visible and meaningful contributions to their communities. History is littered with ornamental speeches by monarchs, rulers and leaders. This one struck the author not as decorative, but as a measured manifesto of rulership and Masonic values. Not through rank and position, but by example. It charged the air.

Pre-dinner cocktails began a few hours later at 6 pm. This allowed brethren to refresh themselves and await the arrival of their ladies and guests to the Grand Banquet at 7 pm. By the time the doors to the ballroom opened, the mood amongst the more than 800 attendees was celebratory.

The evening’s formalities commenced with grandeur managed by Bro Prem Arslan Pillai. The District Grand Master, accompanying the Deputy Grand Master, made a ceremonial entrance along a Masonic Square-shaped red carpet to the head table. They were met with a standing ovation. In a fleeting moment, before he reached the angle of the “Square”, RW Bro Mahathir offered an impromptu gesture of fidelity.

Once seated at the head table with other rulers and their ladies, the ritual formalities gave way to festivity with dimmed lights and a captivating multimedia presentation paired with the first of three enchanting multi-cultural dance performances (Malaysiana, Oddisi and Peacock Dance) showcasing local heritage, organised by W Bro Ralph Ratnaswamy. A mesmerising video launch and a blast of confetti followed this. It set the tone for the night. Following the opening number, the Organising Chairman, W Bro Datuk Dr Baljit Singh Sidhu, was the first to address the gathering. He warmly welcomed all present from all corners of the Craft and expressed his appreciation to the Grand Lodge officers whose presence lent distinction to the occasion. He acknowledged the considerable logistical and ceremonial effort involved in the undertaking. W Bro Datuk Dr Baljit recognised the contributions of his organising committee and medical team, inviting them to stand as he called each member by name to well-earned applause. He paid a tribute to RW Bro Dato’ Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy for nearly a decade of service.

In a touching moment, W Bro Ravin Karunanidhi, on behalf of the Fraternity, presented Jasmine with a bouquet as a token of appreciation for her grace and support of the Craft.

Toasts were made, the Keystone Club for young Masons was announced, the Climate Change and Disaster Relief Fund was launched with a pledge of SGD 500,000 over five years, and speeches ensued. When W Bro Datuk Dr Baljit and his team began preparations on 15 October 2024 for what was expected to be just another Half-Yearly Communication, no one, not even RW Bro Mahathir, knew that he would be installed as District Grand Master at the event they were planning. Collectively, they stepped up and delivered.

The after party began just before midnight, with the band Kaya setting the mood, and was no less spirited. It offered a fitting reflection of how earnestly Masons embrace their refreshment as they do their labours. The evening unfolded in lively merriment, marked by dancing, laughter, and spontaneous festivity. Outside the hall, clusters of ladies and brethren gathered in light conversation, reflecting on the success of the weekend, sharing Masonic insights, and exchanging ideas to enrich the Craft further. Interactions flowed easily across familiar circles and new encounters, bridging lodges, chapters, constitutions, and regional lines. RW Bro Mahathir, long held in affection well before his installation, made it a point to engage with everyone. As the cocktails, wine, and liquor ran dry and the service staff withdrew, the Organising Chairman brought forth his secret stash, accompanied by a gratefully received supper of nasi lemak.

As the celebration of Masonic rulership and values drew to a close and everyone else had retired, three brethren, including the RW District Grand Master, remained as a representation of a Fraternity undimmed by the night. Led by RW Bro Mahathir, they made their way to their rooms in the nadir of night, with smiles on their faces and brotherhood in their hearts. Like their fellow Freemasons in the District and beyond, they imagined the next chapter of the Eastern Archipelago upon the dawn of a new era.