Elias Mahmud

Elias Mahmud was registered as a student of Tanjong Lobang on 4th Feb 1957 and he left in1961.

He went on to become a teacher and a father of very successful children who became very well known professionals in Miri.

Congratulations to Cikgu Elias....a pioneering teacher who taught in many rural primary schools in the Fourth Division of Sarawak. When he retired recently, he was the Head Master, or Head Teacher of Lutong Primary School.

As far as I can remember, most Sarawak primary schools remain stagnant in their physical looks. Wooden blocks, cement floor, really black blackboard, and rickety but lovely wooden chairs. Toilets were small but with the strong hands of the teachers, they could be kept very clean indeed. But if the school is not well run, the first indicator of a poor system would be the stinking toilets....and often cobwebby 15 watt bulbs hanging from the ceiling, which could be just wooden beams and broken asbestos ceiling.....

ah some memories of poor primary schools just cannot be gotten rid of...

But Cikgu Elias' schools would always be pretty with murals, well kept gardens and a good staff room. What is important, very important is that a lot of native pupils would remember Cikgu Elias' patience, kindness and compassion. to most native pupils going to school is a cultural shock. When in a recent visit to him, at my advance age, and with lots of 20/20 hindsight, I realise a lot more happen in a school run by an efficient headmaster like Elias.

I am happy for him : he remains a happy man . Mission accomplished.

Our lives in Tanjong shape our aspiration in our career.