In 1957, the Colombo Plan initiated the Tanjong Lobang School with the sole objective of helping rural, poor students of all races to become students at a boarding school. It started with the collection of Primary Five to Form Five students.
The school was thus created and was officially opened by the High Commisioner of New Zealand, Mr. R.L Hutches and the Director of Education, Sarawak.
The school was temporarily sited at a building belong to SHELL, behind the Old Mosque (which is opposite Mega Hotel Miri today). In 1959 the school moved to its present site at Lot 187 Jalan Bunga Tanjong 2, Tanjong Lobang, 98009, Miri.
The Principals of the School from 1957 to 1969 were:
1. Rev. Fr. D.R. Rawlins - 1957-April 1958
2. Mr. A. L. Whiteman - May - Dec 1958
3. Mr. E.C Hicks - Jan - Jun 1959
4. Mr. W.L.S.Britton - Jun 1959 - Jun 1961
5. Mr. G.G.Dearnley - Jun 1961 - Dec 1961
6. Mr. A.D. Ruthe - Feb 1962 - Dec 1963
7. Mr. H.A. Henderson - Jan 1964 - Dec 1965
8. Mr. Robert Nicholl - Jan 1966 - Aug 1969
Thus Tanjong Lobang became the first Government Secondary School in the history of Miri.
Its name was changed to Kolej Tun Datuk Tuanku Haji Bujang in 1972. However, because the school has such a long history, the local people.especially the older people, will always call it Tanjong Lobang School.
When it was announced that the name of the school was to be changed to Kolej Tun Datuk Tuanku Haji Bujang, after the then Governor, some of the students held a rally, with one student standing on a roof in fact.The Education Department called it an Emergency and the school was shut down for a day. It was deemed an unnecessary episode or occurence by the authorities and the then Principal, Mr. William Hsu, was transferred out. No student was hurt or treated as criminal though. Teachers kept mum about the whole incident. To this day, the leader of the student rally was never identified. But the new name of the school remained unchanged.
As I have gathered recently from many people, the name of the school should never have been changed,with due respect to our then Governor. Our school established in 1959, named Tanjong Lobang School, Miri, Sarawak, and sitting on a 50 acre promontary, could have been alongside the famous Victoria Institute and the various Anglo Chinese Schools of West Malaysia, with the best of possible grounds in Malaysia. The alumni of Methodist Secondary School for example would not allow a change of the school's name to Sekolah Tinggi Datuk Wong Soon Koh, for example. And finally I do not think it acceptable to change the name of Oxford University to Blair University in Britain. I am just trying to think along some political possibilities.....and legal implications.
And with all the possible endowments that the State can grant, there can surely be a great Kolej Tun Datuk Tuanku Haji Bujang some where in Sibu as he hailed from Sibu. And that could be a huge and successful college sitting perhaps on a one hundred acre of land, with the best of architecture and engineering structure, the best of teachers Sibu can produce,etc,etc...That would make not only Sibu proud, but Sarawak proud.
Monday, June 18, 2007
1972 Name list - Part Two
Wong Chu Ho
Wong Hai Hie
Wong Ing Ming
Wong Sia Ing
Wong Sin Keuh
Yeo Bee Chai
Yip Fook Hin
Abg Nawawi Abg Hj Dahlan
Abdu RahmanBollhasan
Appy Yip Fei Yin
Chong Say Moi
Goh Boon Khen
Kong Siew Ting
Koh Ung Leong
Lau Yiew Hieng
Lee Ping Kiong
Lee Tung Yong
Lucy Tang Mung Huing
Mah Poh San
Mahammad Aimn binMohamad YassinKhan
Mohd Eden b. Mohd Ali
Ng Nyong Kin
Patrick Tang Lay Ming
Pau Chiong Sing
Paul Hii Ek Kiaw
Robert Goh Siaw Kee
Roslee binLOumpoh
Sjali bin Hj Kip
Sebatian Tong Hong Yew
Teo Sia Chuan
Thomas Wong Kee Ung
Wajidi bin Kerni
Wong Bek Kiong
Wong Sung Ging
Abd. Razak hi Uni
Addie anak Tungging
Anthony Welton Leong (Limbang)
Agnes Ting Hieh Huong
Chong Yean Onn
Chuan ak Gambang
Franci9s Kumbun Lugie
Frlorence Kong Lieng Sien
George Radin
Josephine Loh Leh Hie
Lamberth Lamat Nyanggan
Law Sian Ien
Lily Lau Chiong Chiong
Longgo bin Mohammad
Mary Loi Kiew Mee (Medamit, Limbang)
Marali bin Akup
Mohammad Rafa'ee
Mohad Zailon Ramli
Ngy Kwong Siing
Patrick Tnay Yang Teng
Peter Yong Chung Sing
Tan Mee Lan
Theresa Wong Mi Niong
Wong Chai Kee
Yii Ai Hung
Charles Yong Man Wai
Zaini bin Le'
Abd Gapar bin Rmalee
Alverez Ullack Bajie
Ashari bin Hj Kabit
Awang Bujang
Farimah bt Hassan
Hillary Simon Salleh
Hoody Dudun Nanggai
Len/Talif bin Salleh
Mathew Juan
Marie Yong Pick Hua
Moded Nyadod
Moli bin Tupong
Ngatimin bin Timon
Ose Murang
Penguang ak Manggil
Rabiee bin Morni
Raymond Ramba Dumol
Robin Jalla
Saadi binSemaon
Sharifar Noraini Wan Hassan
Sidie ak Steven
Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi
Bernadine Penny Nyigor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Wong Hai Hie
Wong Ing Ming
Wong Sia Ing
Wong Sin Keuh
Yeo Bee Chai
Yip Fook Hin
Abg Nawawi Abg Hj Dahlan
Abdu RahmanBollhasan
Appy Yip Fei Yin
Chong Say Moi
Goh Boon Khen
Kong Siew Ting
Koh Ung Leong
Lau Yiew Hieng
Lee Ping Kiong
Lee Tung Yong
Lucy Tang Mung Huing
Mah Poh San
Mahammad Aimn binMohamad YassinKhan
Mohd Eden b. Mohd Ali
Ng Nyong Kin
Patrick Tang Lay Ming
Pau Chiong Sing
Paul Hii Ek Kiaw
Robert Goh Siaw Kee
Roslee binLOumpoh
Sjali bin Hj Kip
Sebatian Tong Hong Yew
Teo Sia Chuan
Thomas Wong Kee Ung
Wajidi bin Kerni
Wong Bek Kiong
Wong Sung Ging
Abd. Razak hi Uni
Addie anak Tungging
Anthony Welton Leong (Limbang)
Agnes Ting Hieh Huong
Chong Yean Onn
Chuan ak Gambang
Franci9s Kumbun Lugie
Frlorence Kong Lieng Sien
George Radin
Josephine Loh Leh Hie
Lamberth Lamat Nyanggan
Law Sian Ien
Lily Lau Chiong Chiong
Longgo bin Mohammad
Mary Loi Kiew Mee (Medamit, Limbang)
Marali bin Akup
Mohammad Rafa'ee
Mohad Zailon Ramli
Ngy Kwong Siing
Patrick Tnay Yang Teng
Peter Yong Chung Sing
Tan Mee Lan
Theresa Wong Mi Niong
Wong Chai Kee
Yii Ai Hung
Charles Yong Man Wai
Zaini bin Le'
Abd Gapar bin Rmalee
Alverez Ullack Bajie
Ashari bin Hj Kabit
Awang Bujang
Farimah bt Hassan
Hillary Simon Salleh
Hoody Dudun Nanggai
Len/Talif bin Salleh
Mathew Juan
Marie Yong Pick Hua
Moded Nyadod
Moli bin Tupong
Ngatimin bin Timon
Ose Murang
Penguang ak Manggil
Rabiee bin Morni
Raymond Ramba Dumol
Robin Jalla
Saadi binSemaon
Sharifar Noraini Wan Hassan
Sidie ak Steven
Wan Zainal Abidin Wan Senusi
Bernadine Penny Nyigor
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Friday, June 15, 2007
Movies TLS style - Peh Her Sing and Fire from the Projector
I believe all of us at Tanjong Lobang School enjoyed our days watching movies as much as people of any age, any period and any place.
The school had its own hall for movies screened from an old style projector. A very memorable movie I saw was Great Expectations. And indeed that movie also impacted many of the other students fanning their desires to do well in future. Besides the actors influenced us school boys so much so that we talked and walked like them. In the same way, each time we boys went to a western movie, we would come out of the Miri Theatre walking and talking like John Wayne, imagining that we had a great gun at our belt, and shooting down imaginary bad guys. Movies were great and they were important in our lives!
When the Information Department brought a movie to be shown in our school, we would look forward to it. These information documentaries were great black and white films which made us very patriotic. No one paid more attention from the beginning to the end than the young ones in the primary classes in 1959,1960 and 1961. We from the Ulu had never seen anything like moving pictures before. We learned about malaria eradication, importance of the Information Service,etc.
Many good movies besides the Information Service films, were shown in our school hall for the whole of my education in the school. That is ,1959 to 1967.
One incident was spectacular.
Our most loyal projectionist was Peh Her Sing from Lawas and he had an assistant, my dear friend, Abu Bakar Matasan.
Every one would be there, students, teachers, families of the cooks, matron, Pak Cik Hamdan, the gardeners and even the Principal. The coming together of all these was in fact a great social event in the school. Senior students who were having blossoming romances would be quite obvious at such times.
One evening we noticed with great happiness that two of our teachers were showing more than friendly interests in each other. They came for one such school movie and students of course were giving them sideway glances. It was fun seeing people falling in love.
The projector was switched on, the movie rolled and the mood of the hall was estactic! The movie was good, and as usual the kids were clapping when the parts becaming exciting.
Then suddenly, there was a shout,"Fire!"
The whole audience was in an uproar. Benches were kicked, kids started crying, and mothers were screaming.
I was pushed into a bush being one of the lighter built students. A few others were also falling around me by the small drain.
When the commotion died down, we were given the understanding that there was indeed smoke coming out of the projector. And Abu was the one who shouted "Fire!", perhaps a little too fast.
And then, we learned to our dismay that our teacher had left our lovely young lady teacher behind in the stampede. He must have taken off too quickly, leaving "Miss" a little distance behind or he might have lost his grip on her when others pushed him forward.
What followed was a cooling off period and we were very sad about it. To this day, we would never know what really happened.
Perhaps some of my fellow students would have other sides of the story.
But as a projectionist, Peh Her Sing was indispensable. How we loved him.
The school had its own hall for movies screened from an old style projector. A very memorable movie I saw was Great Expectations. And indeed that movie also impacted many of the other students fanning their desires to do well in future. Besides the actors influenced us school boys so much so that we talked and walked like them. In the same way, each time we boys went to a western movie, we would come out of the Miri Theatre walking and talking like John Wayne, imagining that we had a great gun at our belt, and shooting down imaginary bad guys. Movies were great and they were important in our lives!
When the Information Department brought a movie to be shown in our school, we would look forward to it. These information documentaries were great black and white films which made us very patriotic. No one paid more attention from the beginning to the end than the young ones in the primary classes in 1959,1960 and 1961. We from the Ulu had never seen anything like moving pictures before. We learned about malaria eradication, importance of the Information Service,etc.
Many good movies besides the Information Service films, were shown in our school hall for the whole of my education in the school. That is ,1959 to 1967.
One incident was spectacular.
Our most loyal projectionist was Peh Her Sing from Lawas and he had an assistant, my dear friend, Abu Bakar Matasan.
Every one would be there, students, teachers, families of the cooks, matron, Pak Cik Hamdan, the gardeners and even the Principal. The coming together of all these was in fact a great social event in the school. Senior students who were having blossoming romances would be quite obvious at such times.
One evening we noticed with great happiness that two of our teachers were showing more than friendly interests in each other. They came for one such school movie and students of course were giving them sideway glances. It was fun seeing people falling in love.
The projector was switched on, the movie rolled and the mood of the hall was estactic! The movie was good, and as usual the kids were clapping when the parts becaming exciting.
Then suddenly, there was a shout,"Fire!"
The whole audience was in an uproar. Benches were kicked, kids started crying, and mothers were screaming.
I was pushed into a bush being one of the lighter built students. A few others were also falling around me by the small drain.
When the commotion died down, we were given the understanding that there was indeed smoke coming out of the projector. And Abu was the one who shouted "Fire!", perhaps a little too fast.
And then, we learned to our dismay that our teacher had left our lovely young lady teacher behind in the stampede. He must have taken off too quickly, leaving "Miss" a little distance behind or he might have lost his grip on her when others pushed him forward.
What followed was a cooling off period and we were very sad about it. To this day, we would never know what really happened.
Perhaps some of my fellow students would have other sides of the story.
But as a projectionist, Peh Her Sing was indispensable. How we loved him.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
1971 Name list last few names and 1972 Part 1/2
Last part of 1971 name list:
Kiew Kiew thing
Kueh Yong Seng
Nafrial Rashid
Swin bin Jemaah/Aidan Wing
Moses Sia King Yong
Kong Teow Ming
1972 Name list:
Andria Zanaria Peter
Ang Ee Kheng/Nee Lee
Angela Timbong Simpang
Anne Hii Chin Hung
Bina Bhattacharyya
Chiew Leh Choon
Chung Chiong Ping
Davidtan Embuyang
Elisabeth Wong Kung Chiong
Goh Siew Hoon
Hii Lik Hun
Idris Trang/Andrigas Trang
Ira Bhattacharyya
Jasnah bt Abeng
Kullan Nuing
Liew Chin Phin
Lily Albert Bialey
Lim Thien Hock
Michael Labo Buyeh
Mohammad Daud Ismail (Limbang)
Monica Rancis Tanko
Pauline Maimon bt Mal
Robert Menua Gadang
Sahari bin Riffin
Shirley Leong Wai Ngo
Sim Su Lin
Siti Khatijah Razali
Su Sek Hua
Watson Tingko Entol
Werlyn Baja Jap
Winston Buma
Yong Oi Lin
Abg Othman Abg Fata
Abdul Razak Tready
Ahmad Ayub
Ahman Lamat
Aini Bt. Yahya
Andrew Mat Ressa
Borhan/Borhanuddin Bujang
Charles Labang Lawai
Fatimah Tahir (Limbang)
Fatimah Kepol
Geoffrey Race Ahing
Hasmi Hasnan
Japar binHj Mostapa
Jawah bt Abdullah Gad
Jaraiee bin Sawal
Joing ak Mideh
Julaihi bin Kadir
Lian Huat b. Paleng
Menji bin Kassim
Mohd Said bin Gapor
Morni bin Hj Mat
Musa bin Jamalludin
Noraini bt Hussein
Ramlee binSpawi
Rosnani bt Yunus
Sahdi binKen
Sharmsherbie Narudin
Sirat Melikin
Sutin bt Sahmat
Wan AbdullahWan Said
Zahiruddin Khan Aghar Khan
Zaidi bin Lipu
Zaidul binJahar
Zanuddin b Monseri
Abd. Rahman b. Gapor
Bernard Lee Meng Hock
Charles Tiong Yong Lieh
Chien Peng Ung
Chen Wing Yin
Chiam Taw Huat
Chua Yuen Fatt
David Wong Hong Weng
Goh Long Say
Ho Thian Seng
HuongTuong Ing
Jong Kok Ching
Kong Jee Chong
Kueh Chin Hock
Lee Kim Lee
Lee Ting Choon
Lim Tin Peng
Loh Swee King
Ong Yong Zin
Peter Wong
Quek Chiew Siam
Rose Lau Ping Ping
Sim Kah Choon
Simon Tiong King Muang (Ulu Limbang)
Tan Ching Jap
Tang Suoh Yiing
Vincent Kong Wai Tin
Wong Chang Swee
Kiew Kiew thing
Kueh Yong Seng
Nafrial Rashid
Swin bin Jemaah/Aidan Wing
Moses Sia King Yong
Kong Teow Ming
1972 Name list:
Andria Zanaria Peter
Ang Ee Kheng/Nee Lee
Angela Timbong Simpang
Anne Hii Chin Hung
Bina Bhattacharyya
Chiew Leh Choon
Chung Chiong Ping
Davidtan Embuyang
Elisabeth Wong Kung Chiong
Goh Siew Hoon
Hii Lik Hun
Idris Trang/Andrigas Trang
Ira Bhattacharyya
Jasnah bt Abeng
Kullan Nuing
Liew Chin Phin
Lily Albert Bialey
Lim Thien Hock
Michael Labo Buyeh
Mohammad Daud Ismail (Limbang)
Monica Rancis Tanko
Pauline Maimon bt Mal
Robert Menua Gadang
Sahari bin Riffin
Shirley Leong Wai Ngo
Sim Su Lin
Siti Khatijah Razali
Su Sek Hua
Watson Tingko Entol
Werlyn Baja Jap
Winston Buma
Yong Oi Lin
Abg Othman Abg Fata
Abdul Razak Tready
Ahmad Ayub
Ahman Lamat
Aini Bt. Yahya
Andrew Mat Ressa
Borhan/Borhanuddin Bujang
Charles Labang Lawai
Fatimah Tahir (Limbang)
Fatimah Kepol
Geoffrey Race Ahing
Hasmi Hasnan
Japar binHj Mostapa
Jawah bt Abdullah Gad
Jaraiee bin Sawal
Joing ak Mideh
Julaihi bin Kadir
Lian Huat b. Paleng
Menji bin Kassim
Mohd Said bin Gapor
Morni bin Hj Mat
Musa bin Jamalludin
Noraini bt Hussein
Ramlee binSpawi
Rosnani bt Yunus
Sahdi binKen
Sharmsherbie Narudin
Sirat Melikin
Sutin bt Sahmat
Wan AbdullahWan Said
Zahiruddin Khan Aghar Khan
Zaidi bin Lipu
Zaidul binJahar
Zanuddin b Monseri
Abd. Rahman b. Gapor
Bernard Lee Meng Hock
Charles Tiong Yong Lieh
Chien Peng Ung
Chen Wing Yin
Chiam Taw Huat
Chua Yuen Fatt
David Wong Hong Weng
Goh Long Say
Ho Thian Seng
HuongTuong Ing
Jong Kok Ching
Kong Jee Chong
Kueh Chin Hock
Lee Kim Lee
Lee Ting Choon
Lim Tin Peng
Loh Swee King
Ong Yong Zin
Peter Wong
Quek Chiew Siam
Rose Lau Ping Ping
Sim Kah Choon
Simon Tiong King Muang (Ulu Limbang)
Tan Ching Jap
Tang Suoh Yiing
Vincent Kong Wai Tin
Wong Chang Swee
1971 Name list
Albert Masli
Alice Liew Pze Nog
Alastair Aing
Ambrose Kulek Mumong
Andrew Libong Selutan
Asnah Ahmad
Bahrain Bintuah
Barutha Umppong
Cecilia wong Sie Ngiik
Christina Sio Pek Yong(present Head Teacher of St.Joseph Primary School Miri)
Connie Jenang
Evelyn Joyce Yong
Frederick Liso Senap
Helen Anja Udek
Henry Jerntai Lidom
Idal Gedong
Irene Chu Oil Len
James Ape Dapol
Jospehin Rendam Mawat
George Adom Tlaek
Lamchap Gime
Marina Tan Lee Lee
Mary Poh Kin Choo
Ngu Mee Ling
Roland Satu
Sanib Said
sulie Gantie
Tony Chandor Ridie
William shim
Wong Ing Ming
Abg Sandi Abg Spawi
Ali TGreadyAnthony Quinn
Awang Jemat
Bernard Entily
Charles Tenggoi
Chew Kyuin Yin
Doris Edwina Fung
Francis Jorna Lian
Ibau Lah
Isamil Bin Lazim
Jacob Piran Lian
James Gau
Jefferson Isek Kandan
Josphine Jospeh Balom
John Yong King Hee
Laping Jawa
Lay Kim Pan
Liew Fah Sin
Loi Mee King' Lucy Arom
Lucy Lao Puang Siong
Mohammad Sarkawi
Nancy Yapp Kin Choo
Nasihim bin Said
Raymond Miting
Shebli Seman
Richard Iboh
Robert Saging
Rosmie Sulong
Sandra Urang Raja
sigar Tidom
Sim Ai Geok
Susan Fung
Wong Hie Eng
Sahra Bujang
Abdullah Opong
Chai Kwee fong
Chang Tze Hin
Chen Fam Sian
Chiong Khoon Swee
Chua Teck Beng
Josephine Nguk Chin
Kiew Chen Tchiong
Kho Siak Chuing
Kho Siaw Boon
Kueh Lip Kwong
Lai Ngee Kiok
Lin Yit Lin, Tommy
Mary Agnes Chiam
Moh Weng Hee
Poh Kin Nguan
Pui Kim Teck
Rommie Jee Kuet Hua
Saun Ak Kakok
Shi Kim Teck
Sim Boon Lian
Sim Kwang Yaw (Address 97 Sabu Road, Simanggang)
Sim Tang Kwong
Sulaiman Eddy
Tay Yaw Loi
Wong Sing Ching
Yew King Yong
Yong Kiong Chung
Voon Stzu Heng
Baru Langub
Bujang Hussain
Bernard Phoa
choo Miaw Kim
Chuia Siew Khim
Chong Siew Liap
Dilol Nojea
Hee Chin Tze]
Ho Geok Jik
Huong Tiong Poh
Jacqueline Leong
James Chella
Jumaid Diki
Kuek Tze Kong
Lai Lian Joon
Ngui Siew Kong
Pauline Yong Sui Hee
Peli Mat
Robinson Simunyi
Judson Sakai Tagal
Sim Chay Ngee
Teo Shiok Ngo
Voon Yam Seng
Wong Swee Ho
Yao Nam
Alexander Unya Ambun
Ali Moktar Shamat
Billy Rmaping
Choo ai Hung
Diana Chai Fen Len
Hossin Fauzi
Jessie Lee Li Tiong
Mari Duncan
Martin Barnabas Tutong
Noh Saabi
Pau ak Ritom
Peterus Bulan
Peing Nge Ling
Roshni Xystatia Wanigaranam
Rosland bin Dadu
Samuel Kiyin
Sim Chiong Khi
Suhaili bin Lee
Salaiman Abang
Teo Siak Chuan
Tiki Lafe
Usah Ujoh
William Duncan Lingkui
Yee Khai Phorng
Wong Dee Ha
Chan Ming Lin
Normah Besar
Aminah Bankol
Alladin Kassim
Julaihi Bujang
Philip Tiong soon King
Awg Ibarhim Awang Sulaiman
Kassi Majidi
Awang Mekthar Awg Yahya
Tan Chin Min
Dyg Mordiah Abg Narudin
Chai Long Sen
Kho Lian Kwong
James Lam Sia Keng
John Michael Puk
Tiong King Kiong
John Gotte
Paul Loh shin
Tan Lee Hoon
Abg Latif Abg Embong
LILY MORNI
Marily Joyce Muda
Zita Pamela Vatsaloo
---------------------------------------1971 to be continued..........................................
Alice Liew Pze Nog
Alastair Aing
Ambrose Kulek Mumong
Andrew Libong Selutan
Asnah Ahmad
Bahrain Bintuah
Barutha Umppong
Cecilia wong Sie Ngiik
Christina Sio Pek Yong(present Head Teacher of St.Joseph Primary School Miri)
Connie Jenang
Evelyn Joyce Yong
Frederick Liso Senap
Helen Anja Udek
Henry Jerntai Lidom
Idal Gedong
Irene Chu Oil Len
James Ape Dapol
Jospehin Rendam Mawat
George Adom Tlaek
Lamchap Gime
Marina Tan Lee Lee
Mary Poh Kin Choo
Ngu Mee Ling
Roland Satu
Sanib Said
sulie Gantie
Tony Chandor Ridie
William shim
Wong Ing Ming
Abg Sandi Abg Spawi
Ali TGreadyAnthony Quinn
Awang Jemat
Bernard Entily
Charles Tenggoi
Chew Kyuin Yin
Doris Edwina Fung
Francis Jorna Lian
Ibau Lah
Isamil Bin Lazim
Jacob Piran Lian
James Gau
Jefferson Isek Kandan
Josphine Jospeh Balom
John Yong King Hee
Laping Jawa
Lay Kim Pan
Liew Fah Sin
Loi Mee King' Lucy Arom
Lucy Lao Puang Siong
Mohammad Sarkawi
Nancy Yapp Kin Choo
Nasihim bin Said
Raymond Miting
Shebli Seman
Richard Iboh
Robert Saging
Rosmie Sulong
Sandra Urang Raja
sigar Tidom
Sim Ai Geok
Susan Fung
Wong Hie Eng
Sahra Bujang
Abdullah Opong
Chai Kwee fong
Chang Tze Hin
Chen Fam Sian
Chiong Khoon Swee
Chua Teck Beng
Josephine Nguk Chin
Kiew Chen Tchiong
Kho Siak Chuing
Kho Siaw Boon
Kueh Lip Kwong
Lai Ngee Kiok
Lin Yit Lin, Tommy
Mary Agnes Chiam
Moh Weng Hee
Poh Kin Nguan
Pui Kim Teck
Rommie Jee Kuet Hua
Saun Ak Kakok
Shi Kim Teck
Sim Boon Lian
Sim Kwang Yaw (Address 97 Sabu Road, Simanggang)
Sim Tang Kwong
Sulaiman Eddy
Tay Yaw Loi
Wong Sing Ching
Yew King Yong
Yong Kiong Chung
Voon Stzu Heng
Baru Langub
Bujang Hussain
Bernard Phoa
choo Miaw Kim
Chuia Siew Khim
Chong Siew Liap
Dilol Nojea
Hee Chin Tze]
Ho Geok Jik
Huong Tiong Poh
Jacqueline Leong
James Chella
Jumaid Diki
Kuek Tze Kong
Lai Lian Joon
Ngui Siew Kong
Pauline Yong Sui Hee
Peli Mat
Robinson Simunyi
Judson Sakai Tagal
Sim Chay Ngee
Teo Shiok Ngo
Voon Yam Seng
Wong Swee Ho
Yao Nam
Alexander Unya Ambun
Ali Moktar Shamat
Billy Rmaping
Choo ai Hung
Diana Chai Fen Len
Hossin Fauzi
Jessie Lee Li Tiong
Mari Duncan
Martin Barnabas Tutong
Noh Saabi
Pau ak Ritom
Peterus Bulan
Peing Nge Ling
Roshni Xystatia Wanigaranam
Rosland bin Dadu
Samuel Kiyin
Sim Chiong Khi
Suhaili bin Lee
Salaiman Abang
Teo Siak Chuan
Tiki Lafe
Usah Ujoh
William Duncan Lingkui
Yee Khai Phorng
Wong Dee Ha
Chan Ming Lin
Normah Besar
Aminah Bankol
Alladin Kassim
Julaihi Bujang
Philip Tiong soon King
Awg Ibarhim Awang Sulaiman
Kassi Majidi
Awang Mekthar Awg Yahya
Tan Chin Min
Dyg Mordiah Abg Narudin
Chai Long Sen
Kho Lian Kwong
James Lam Sia Keng
John Michael Puk
Tiong King Kiong
John Gotte
Paul Loh shin
Tan Lee Hoon
Abg Latif Abg Embong
LILY MORNI
Marily Joyce Muda
Zita Pamela Vatsaloo
---------------------------------------1971 to be continued..........................................
Friday, June 8, 2007
1969 3/3
Julaihee Salleh
Kho Lee Chiang
Lee Chui May
Lim Oi Choo
Maria Wong Hak Hee
Marcos China ak Juing
Morris Unongak Legam
Patrician Voon Oi Lian
George Robin Bawin
Sigan Ibun
Ton Gake Hua
Terence Temenggong Jayang
Vasco Sabatak Singkang
Yong Chung Phing
Zakiah Omar
Laing Ngau
King Chui Huat
Wong Hin Hwa
Yap Tiong sun
David Fam Min Kui
Lim Ai Luan
George Guan
Joseke Toging Ruth
Jeluing Kebing Emgang
Lee Sin Nam
Lim Swee Hong
Chew Chi Yong
Abang Abdul hamid
Mohd. Kassim Kinchu
Marjian Suud
Elwi binPli
Jennifer Minah Nanang
Abdul Rahman bin Deen
Joseph Gindie Willie
Abg Suhaili Abg Hj Abdul Majid
Ding Ibau
Rama Kumari Anand
Upinder Kumar Anand
Kho Lee Chiang
Lee Chui May
Lim Oi Choo
Maria Wong Hak Hee
Marcos China ak Juing
Morris Unongak Legam
Patrician Voon Oi Lian
George Robin Bawin
Sigan Ibun
Ton Gake Hua
Terence Temenggong Jayang
Vasco Sabatak Singkang
Yong Chung Phing
Zakiah Omar
Laing Ngau
King Chui Huat
Wong Hin Hwa
Yap Tiong sun
David Fam Min Kui
Lim Ai Luan
George Guan
Joseke Toging Ruth
Jeluing Kebing Emgang
Lee Sin Nam
Lim Swee Hong
Chew Chi Yong
Abang Abdul hamid
Mohd. Kassim Kinchu
Marjian Suud
Elwi binPli
Jennifer Minah Nanang
Abdul Rahman bin Deen
Joseph Gindie Willie
Abg Suhaili Abg Hj Abdul Majid
Ding Ibau
Rama Kumari Anand
Upinder Kumar Anand
1969 name list part 2/3
Yong Sze Kui
Zubaidah Hj Addar Rahim
Cho Kwong Ming
Goh Hua Theng
Albert Kong Jiu Fatt
Ang Thian Chin
Annette Yip Chui Jin (Bintulu now)
Chan Chong Hock
Chong Siaw Wan
Choo Nyit Chong
Chua Wan Chong
Clement Lim
Jean Brodie
King Chiu Tiong
Kon Chian Fatt
Lim Ka Ming
Maurice Fielis
Ngen Meng Kiang
Robin Fago
Siew Woo Kee
Stephen MacMon
Tay Choon Chiaw
Then Joon Hua
Ting Chio King
Vincent Lau King Kong
Wee Hui Ming
Ajaib Suut
Anthonius Lapan (Limbang)
Ayor Beluban
Barbara Johnson
Basah Kesing
Bohan Raswit
Bonnie Voon
Cheong Shyut Moi
Christopher Sanggau Bajiong
Davy Nyelambau
Evelyn Tebari Along
Fatimah Hj Uni
Helen Jane Kiai
Jenny Fung Lee Sar (Kanowit)
Johnny John Enggah
John Yapp Kui Khien
to be continued
.........................................................................
Zubaidah Hj Addar Rahim
Cho Kwong Ming
Goh Hua Theng
Albert Kong Jiu Fatt
Ang Thian Chin
Annette Yip Chui Jin (Bintulu now)
Chan Chong Hock
Chong Siaw Wan
Choo Nyit Chong
Chua Wan Chong
Clement Lim
Jean Brodie
King Chiu Tiong
Kon Chian Fatt
Lim Ka Ming
Maurice Fielis
Ngen Meng Kiang
Robin Fago
Siew Woo Kee
Stephen MacMon
Tay Choon Chiaw
Then Joon Hua
Ting Chio King
Vincent Lau King Kong
Wee Hui Ming
Ajaib Suut
Anthonius Lapan (Limbang)
Ayor Beluban
Barbara Johnson
Basah Kesing
Bohan Raswit
Bonnie Voon
Cheong Shyut Moi
Christopher Sanggau Bajiong
Davy Nyelambau
Evelyn Tebari Along
Fatimah Hj Uni
Helen Jane Kiai
Jenny Fung Lee Sar (Kanowit)
Johnny John Enggah
John Yapp Kui Khien
to be continued
.........................................................................
1969 Name list and some comments
Abdullah Webb
Ali Yusuf
Anyie Ngau Laing
Anyi Ngau Ding
Augustine Constatine Baba
Awang Ranil
Albert Chiew Hoo Ching
Cosmas Sing Lian
Edison Joh Urud
Egai Laga
Gayan Sarie
Imang Anyi
Ittak Sigi (Rh.Penghulu Abok)
Jackson Gawing
Albert Jalong Kirew
Joseph Balan Lah
Laing Imang Ngau
Laing Ngu Unga (sorry cannot really make out the name)/Laing Jau (Long Pilah)
Latif Sapong (Limbang)
Liang Yew Chi
Macmillan Bau Nyawai
Matthew Nuga
Morris Kapong Senap (Limbang)
Omar Ali Khan
Saadan Haji Sibam
Sahari bin Hasbi
Talib bin Ranek
Tamin bin Sibam (Limbang)
Tan Kwong Leong
Tan Meng Lee
Tayun Raja
Wong Teck Ming
Griff Usah Ujoh
Chai Goh Men
Chai Joon Fah
Chai Min Sen
Chia Mong Lieng
Chiam Tow Jin
Cho Chung Tek
Chong Hoi Eng
Chieng Tung Ing
Dorani bin Johari
Drenny Poh Kee Geng
Fong Hee Doh alias Fong Chee How (Limbang)
Fong Siew Khing
Hii Mee Chung
Lai Lian Hong
Lee Khiun Chiew
Liew Chew Choi
Ling Huok Mee
Ling Kwok Huong
Lo Chin Meng
Moo Chuan Ching
Ngieng Nyuk Hung
Saet Gadug Wilfried
Tay Cho Jui
Tay Yang Phuan
Tie Yiu Liong
Ting See Lok
Voon Choon Khing
Wong Siong Kai
Basil Hii Sing Dee
Elbson Marajan anak Pengiran
Awangku Ali Omar Pengiran Maharan
Galwyn Kelon
Hilary Mukit Guroh
Irene Wong Kui Tee
Jeffery Fung
Johnny Ating Kading
Joseph Boong Choon Fah
Joseph Salangak Gandom
Lai Chaw Thin
Lee Tiong Seng
Liew Siat Kiaw
Lo Ngi Yit
Lucy Lau Ting Ting
Michael Sma Nam
Nicholas Ugul Kuman
Nuingak Jeliuing
Razzaliee Bajkar
Suan Yik Juian
Tan Jek Lai
Wong Hua Seh
Udie Salleh
Yee Teck Foo
....................................................................................................................................................................
Many of these students became friends of mine when they joined me at MU. And like rubber seeds popping out from their cases, we were scattered far and near and into different professions. But somehow, when we touch base, it is always our memories of TLS which jell us together and we forget the barriers that we acquire along life's long road.
More later. I don't play golf like some of my friends but I do enjoy washing dishes and cooking in my backyard on my weekends.
Occasionally when we have a good group we get together at New Tanjong Seafood Restaurant on a Friday evening.
Remember that place that used to have the first kind of nightclub just below the hill of Tanjong? The old wooden house still exists, but a new concrete block has been built to accomodate more dining and drinking customers. This block is fairly new and is built nearer to St.Joseph Secondary school. It is adjacent to the new Telecom Building.
Food is fairly good there and menus are changed to keep up with the discerning tastes of the customers who come from different corners of the world. However you still get very good traditional mun mee, Singapore fried Mee Hoon,and various stir fried pumpkin shoots,cangkok manis,and bean sprouts. Occasionally, on the quiet, you can still get some of the unmentionables. Of course, we don't order those....hahaha.
For good halal food, we recommend Cafe Rosita (Dynasty Hotel), the various shops along North Yu Seng Road and Taman Selera. All starred hotels serve halal food in Malaysia.
Ali Yusuf
Anyie Ngau Laing
Anyi Ngau Ding
Augustine Constatine Baba
Awang Ranil
Albert Chiew Hoo Ching
Cosmas Sing Lian
Edison Joh Urud
Egai Laga
Gayan Sarie
Imang Anyi
Ittak Sigi (Rh.Penghulu Abok)
Jackson Gawing
Albert Jalong Kirew
Joseph Balan Lah
Laing Imang Ngau
Laing Ngu Unga (sorry cannot really make out the name)/Laing Jau (Long Pilah)
Latif Sapong (Limbang)
Liang Yew Chi
Macmillan Bau Nyawai
Matthew Nuga
Morris Kapong Senap (Limbang)
Omar Ali Khan
Saadan Haji Sibam
Sahari bin Hasbi
Talib bin Ranek
Tamin bin Sibam (Limbang)
Tan Kwong Leong
Tan Meng Lee
Tayun Raja
Wong Teck Ming
Griff Usah Ujoh
Chai Goh Men
Chai Joon Fah
Chai Min Sen
Chia Mong Lieng
Chiam Tow Jin
Cho Chung Tek
Chong Hoi Eng
Chieng Tung Ing
Dorani bin Johari
Drenny Poh Kee Geng
Fong Hee Doh alias Fong Chee How (Limbang)
Fong Siew Khing
Hii Mee Chung
Lai Lian Hong
Lee Khiun Chiew
Liew Chew Choi
Ling Huok Mee
Ling Kwok Huong
Lo Chin Meng
Moo Chuan Ching
Ngieng Nyuk Hung
Saet Gadug Wilfried
Tay Cho Jui
Tay Yang Phuan
Tie Yiu Liong
Ting See Lok
Voon Choon Khing
Wong Siong Kai
Basil Hii Sing Dee
Elbson Marajan anak Pengiran
Awangku Ali Omar Pengiran Maharan
Galwyn Kelon
Hilary Mukit Guroh
Irene Wong Kui Tee
Jeffery Fung
Johnny Ating Kading
Joseph Boong Choon Fah
Joseph Salangak Gandom
Lai Chaw Thin
Lee Tiong Seng
Liew Siat Kiaw
Lo Ngi Yit
Lucy Lau Ting Ting
Michael Sma Nam
Nicholas Ugul Kuman
Nuingak Jeliuing
Razzaliee Bajkar
Suan Yik Juian
Tan Jek Lai
Wong Hua Seh
Udie Salleh
Yee Teck Foo
....................................................................................................................................................................
Many of these students became friends of mine when they joined me at MU. And like rubber seeds popping out from their cases, we were scattered far and near and into different professions. But somehow, when we touch base, it is always our memories of TLS which jell us together and we forget the barriers that we acquire along life's long road.
More later. I don't play golf like some of my friends but I do enjoy washing dishes and cooking in my backyard on my weekends.
Occasionally when we have a good group we get together at New Tanjong Seafood Restaurant on a Friday evening.
Remember that place that used to have the first kind of nightclub just below the hill of Tanjong? The old wooden house still exists, but a new concrete block has been built to accomodate more dining and drinking customers. This block is fairly new and is built nearer to St.Joseph Secondary school. It is adjacent to the new Telecom Building.
Food is fairly good there and menus are changed to keep up with the discerning tastes of the customers who come from different corners of the world. However you still get very good traditional mun mee, Singapore fried Mee Hoon,and various stir fried pumpkin shoots,cangkok manis,and bean sprouts. Occasionally, on the quiet, you can still get some of the unmentionables. Of course, we don't order those....hahaha.
For good halal food, we recommend Cafe Rosita (Dynasty Hotel), the various shops along North Yu Seng Road and Taman Selera. All starred hotels serve halal food in Malaysia.
Missing names of 1968 list
Mahli bin Haji Suhaili
Moh Wang Sing
Nawawi bin Mahzen
Ngau ding Ngau
Sharifah Aisfih
Sidek Malim
Sim Hui Geok
Sirat Ismail
Tinggang Raja
Wen Ajeng Wen
Yu Teck Kiong
Zennurai Bin Ramlee (Original spelling)
Audrey Kedung Imat
Ding Cheng Ngen
Duncan Ranting Baba
Edward Unting
Goh Meng Chiang
Francius Alexius Atom
Goh Yong Tze
Hamzah bin Sulaiman
Helena Mary Goh Boi Tin
Henry Metthew Lajeng
Hii Toh Toun
Huong Eng Kian
Huong Siok Ling
Ian Unyang
Kook Teck suen
Lee Siew Kong
Leo Jok Hee
Liong Jiew Kiong
Maria Libut
Moh Mee Ping
Ngen Eng Cheng
Ngin Kwang Phek
Ong Gee Ching
Peter Hii Chee Huat
Ramlee B Shahdan
Salina Lallang Sakai (Mrs. Jeffery Pasang)
Sim Kit Choi
Ting Lieng Kiong
Tan Song Kian
Theresa Hii Yik Hwa
Ting Lick Tee
Richard Tsen Wei Tseng
Wong Teck Ho
Yong Sai Chee
Yong Pak Hiong
Yu Chui Chi
Peter Jok
Julian Perry
Chong Kui Sin
Ivanhoe Anthony Belone (of Rumah Sabang,Pantu, Ulu Lingga )
Jonathan Jetie ak Jelian
Ho Thian Fah, Philip
Leong Yoke Kin
Liew Nam Boon
Goh Khi Huang
Lai Peng Seng
Kueh Kee You
Charles Fam Chung Ting
Comments : We hope that some of the spellings can be corrected by those who know them. The list is from a rather faded photocopy from an original handwritten list.
Come to think of it, it is good to keep old school magazines because names and photos of students would be kept for the future generations to look at. I am still trying my best to locate some of our old school magazines, if there are some around. They are significant primary sources of modern history.
Moh Wang Sing
Nawawi bin Mahzen
Ngau ding Ngau
Sharifah Aisfih
Sidek Malim
Sim Hui Geok
Sirat Ismail
Tinggang Raja
Wen Ajeng Wen
Yu Teck Kiong
Zennurai Bin Ramlee (Original spelling)
Audrey Kedung Imat
Ding Cheng Ngen
Duncan Ranting Baba
Edward Unting
Goh Meng Chiang
Francius Alexius Atom
Goh Yong Tze
Hamzah bin Sulaiman
Helena Mary Goh Boi Tin
Henry Metthew Lajeng
Hii Toh Toun
Huong Eng Kian
Huong Siok Ling
Ian Unyang
Kook Teck suen
Lee Siew Kong
Leo Jok Hee
Liong Jiew Kiong
Maria Libut
Moh Mee Ping
Ngen Eng Cheng
Ngin Kwang Phek
Ong Gee Ching
Peter Hii Chee Huat
Ramlee B Shahdan
Salina Lallang Sakai (Mrs. Jeffery Pasang)
Sim Kit Choi
Ting Lieng Kiong
Tan Song Kian
Theresa Hii Yik Hwa
Ting Lick Tee
Richard Tsen Wei Tseng
Wong Teck Ho
Yong Sai Chee
Yong Pak Hiong
Yu Chui Chi
Peter Jok
Julian Perry
Chong Kui Sin
Ivanhoe Anthony Belone (of Rumah Sabang,Pantu, Ulu Lingga )
Jonathan Jetie ak Jelian
Ho Thian Fah, Philip
Leong Yoke Kin
Liew Nam Boon
Goh Khi Huang
Lai Peng Seng
Kueh Kee You
Charles Fam Chung Ting
Comments : We hope that some of the spellings can be corrected by those who know them. The list is from a rather faded photocopy from an original handwritten list.
Come to think of it, it is good to keep old school magazines because names and photos of students would be kept for the future generations to look at. I am still trying my best to locate some of our old school magazines, if there are some around. They are significant primary sources of modern history.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Mustapha Besar Childhood Days Revisited 1985 Part Two
Our house was not very far from the river bank but to get to the river which was the source of our drinking water, was not any easy mater.You must be able to balance yourself on coconut trunks placed strategically along the way. Carrying water to fill our jars in the house was my daily chore. On most occasion, I had to make several trips before the four jars were full as by the time I got to the house half of the buckets was empty.
Our nights used to be long then, as we could not afford the pressure lamp but only brass kerosne lamps placed at the various corners of the rooms - normally in the kitchen and eating pace and the bedroom.By 5:30 p.m. I would fill all the lamps with kerosene and then light them at about 6:30 p.m. Dinner would be quite early and so was bedtime.
Our house was a wooden house with attap roof. Whoever designed the house really knows his architecture because it was always cool during the day time even at the height of the afternoon. Every so often my father would renew the attap roof and my borther and I would help to lift the attap from theground to the rafters where he would be. I admired himfor his ability to move around so easily around the rafters.
I was fortunate in those days that the school I had to go to was just across the road. My other school maters were not so lucky as they had to walk for miles to get to school. They also had to spend some money during their break time for some cakes and other snacks. I could, however, to to shool just before the bell rang an during break time I would quickly rush bak to the ouse for the snacks which mother would have left in the kitchen.
Dato' Moashili School was a wooden building with wooden floor raised slightly about one foot above the ground. In all there were six classrooms partitioned by means of half walls. All our tables and chairs were fixed to the floor and they could accommodate three students or more per table depending upontheir sizes. There wee five of us on my table. The school bell was actually a piece of iron pipe hung on its end and struck with a piece of metal.
School became the focus of our life during theweekdays from seven in the mornign to one o'clock in the afternoon. After that we were left to our own devices unles of course there were extra- curricular activities in the afternoon.
I noted that in those days our games seemed to be seasonal. when thekite flying season was one we would be busy getting bamboo for the kite frame and olleting enough money to buy the coloured papers for the kite. There were many "kite fights" inthe sky and very often once some one's kite is taken down we would be after them invariably on to the padi fields behind the school, much to the displeasure of our parents as we would return with mud all over our clothing, an cuts all over our bodies. Actually it was easy to tellwhen the kite season was on as many children would be affliced by eye infection.
when the "gasing" season came, we would split into various groups and intense rivalries would develop. It was not uncommon for quarrels to begin as a result of broken"gasing" or accusation of cheatings,etc.
The river was another source of joy for us. Most of us learn to swim very early and after shool we would be found playing in the water or merely by the bank. One "pedada" tree by the bank used to gibve us the thrill of our life time. Many of us were Tarzans as we hung on to the many creepers growing up the tree, and swinging from the bank to the water. The loud cries never failed to upset our parents.
There ewas a motor launch which we looked forward to seeing if we were by the river. This was MV Rani, a diesel cargo cum passenger boat. Its arrival normally was greted by us with wild shouts and waving. We liked it especially if it was loaded with carogo for then the waves it created would be bigger.
Our group never went beyond the Kampung - and we never thought of it. There were exceptions though but even then only if encouraged by our parents. Usually this would be because we were genuinely working.
We helped to carry bricks fromthe "tonkong" to the site of the new shophouses which were being built to replace the old ones. We were paid one cent per brick for a distance of about 200 to 300 yards. To us little ones it was really hard work and needless to say we never went beyond the $1.00 mark per day.
We also worked at a coconut nursery at the Agriculture Station about a mile away. The work involved the weeding of coconut seedlings for which we were paid one cent per seedling. This was slightly easier although at the end of the day our hands would show its toll. Nobody ever heard of work gloves then!
During school holidays I also sold icicles (Ais Cucuk we called it) from Kampong to Kampong. I visited a lot of Kampongs that way. I used to lug around a thermos flask (which seemed bigger than I was) and which could store about 30 sticks of icicles. At five cents a piece, the return at the end of the day, if the whole thing was sold, would be $1.50 and my cut would be 60 cents. The towkay would take 90 cents , and if I could not sell more than I would get nothing.
Sadly, I was to miss all this when in 1957 I had to go to Miri to further my schooling. But to this day the childhood days are fresh in my memory.
I walked on but I swear I could hear the ringing sound of those old songs we used to sing when were were "lanuns" under the shade of the old rubber trees. It was so different then.
(From Sarawak Gazettee, April 1985)
Dear Brother I am releasing your story into cyberspace................................because I want you to be read and remembered for always....
Our nights used to be long then, as we could not afford the pressure lamp but only brass kerosne lamps placed at the various corners of the rooms - normally in the kitchen and eating pace and the bedroom.By 5:30 p.m. I would fill all the lamps with kerosene and then light them at about 6:30 p.m. Dinner would be quite early and so was bedtime.
Our house was a wooden house with attap roof. Whoever designed the house really knows his architecture because it was always cool during the day time even at the height of the afternoon. Every so often my father would renew the attap roof and my borther and I would help to lift the attap from theground to the rafters where he would be. I admired himfor his ability to move around so easily around the rafters.
I was fortunate in those days that the school I had to go to was just across the road. My other school maters were not so lucky as they had to walk for miles to get to school. They also had to spend some money during their break time for some cakes and other snacks. I could, however, to to shool just before the bell rang an during break time I would quickly rush bak to the ouse for the snacks which mother would have left in the kitchen.
Dato' Moashili School was a wooden building with wooden floor raised slightly about one foot above the ground. In all there were six classrooms partitioned by means of half walls. All our tables and chairs were fixed to the floor and they could accommodate three students or more per table depending upontheir sizes. There wee five of us on my table. The school bell was actually a piece of iron pipe hung on its end and struck with a piece of metal.
School became the focus of our life during theweekdays from seven in the mornign to one o'clock in the afternoon. After that we were left to our own devices unles of course there were extra- curricular activities in the afternoon.
I noted that in those days our games seemed to be seasonal. when thekite flying season was one we would be busy getting bamboo for the kite frame and olleting enough money to buy the coloured papers for the kite. There were many "kite fights" inthe sky and very often once some one's kite is taken down we would be after them invariably on to the padi fields behind the school, much to the displeasure of our parents as we would return with mud all over our clothing, an cuts all over our bodies. Actually it was easy to tellwhen the kite season was on as many children would be affliced by eye infection.
when the "gasing" season came, we would split into various groups and intense rivalries would develop. It was not uncommon for quarrels to begin as a result of broken"gasing" or accusation of cheatings,etc.
The river was another source of joy for us. Most of us learn to swim very early and after shool we would be found playing in the water or merely by the bank. One "pedada" tree by the bank used to gibve us the thrill of our life time. Many of us were Tarzans as we hung on to the many creepers growing up the tree, and swinging from the bank to the water. The loud cries never failed to upset our parents.
There ewas a motor launch which we looked forward to seeing if we were by the river. This was MV Rani, a diesel cargo cum passenger boat. Its arrival normally was greted by us with wild shouts and waving. We liked it especially if it was loaded with carogo for then the waves it created would be bigger.
Our group never went beyond the Kampung - and we never thought of it. There were exceptions though but even then only if encouraged by our parents. Usually this would be because we were genuinely working.
We helped to carry bricks fromthe "tonkong" to the site of the new shophouses which were being built to replace the old ones. We were paid one cent per brick for a distance of about 200 to 300 yards. To us little ones it was really hard work and needless to say we never went beyond the $1.00 mark per day.
We also worked at a coconut nursery at the Agriculture Station about a mile away. The work involved the weeding of coconut seedlings for which we were paid one cent per seedling. This was slightly easier although at the end of the day our hands would show its toll. Nobody ever heard of work gloves then!
During school holidays I also sold icicles (Ais Cucuk we called it) from Kampong to Kampong. I visited a lot of Kampongs that way. I used to lug around a thermos flask (which seemed bigger than I was) and which could store about 30 sticks of icicles. At five cents a piece, the return at the end of the day, if the whole thing was sold, would be $1.50 and my cut would be 60 cents. The towkay would take 90 cents , and if I could not sell more than I would get nothing.
Sadly, I was to miss all this when in 1957 I had to go to Miri to further my schooling. But to this day the childhood days are fresh in my memory.
I walked on but I swear I could hear the ringing sound of those old songs we used to sing when were were "lanuns" under the shade of the old rubber trees. It was so different then.
(From Sarawak Gazettee, April 1985)
Dear Brother I am releasing your story into cyberspace................................because I want you to be read and remembered for always....
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Mustapha Besar Childhood Days Revisited 1985
in 1985, Mustapha was on the Editorial Board of Sarawak Gazette, the precinct of Colonial Officers before 1963. The Chief Editor was Dr. Yusoff Haji Hanifar, Adi was in charge of Personalities, and Mustapha , Public Enterprise.
In April 1985, we were fortunate enough to be able buy a copy of the Sarawak Gazette (Only available in Kuching) and read with a lot of nostalgia, his article, Childhood Days Revisited.
Here I am copying the whole story because I feel that his story must be shared here, if not in the book. If members agree, this would be a fine piece. David please copy and paste into the file of ex-tanjong.
I hope I am not contravening any law regarding copyright. I just want my friend to be featured. This is a gesture which I can make....he had had so many other accolades....and I would like you to have a share in knowing Limbang and part of Mustapha's childhood in the 50's.
Here goes from Page 37, April 1985, Sarawak Gazette
Childhood Days - Revisited by Mustapha Besar (Deputy Manager, Land Custody and Development Authority)
What prompted me to write this I am not sure. Perhaps it was of all the changes that have takenplace or the seemingly new face of the town, or was it the many people I met whom I failed to recognise. Perhaps it was merely nostalgia.I do not think that I would like to turn the clock back but I certainly have fond memories of that serene little town and that small kampung I grew up in.
Perhaps the trouble was I spent very little part of my growing up years inKampung Sialok (or Kampung Sekolah Melayu as it ws better known). As early as 9 years old I was already attending a boarding school (TLS) in Miri. But it didn't matter though for whatever time I had during those trouble free days everything seemed perfect for a young boy who had all the time to play his favourite games among his peers. Indeed there never was a shortage of peers then. There were Kifli,Tuah and ahmad next door,Amin a few houses away, Jamil and Bonsu and a few others acorss the road.
Our domain was that small enclave through which taversed a gravel road which wound its way under the sahde of the overhanging branches of the rubber trees. The trees never grew straight up but always at an incline over the road,a nd when they began to shed their fruits we would collect the shells and seeds scattered everywhere. This domainw as bordered by the padi field on the East and the river ont he West. Both the padi field and the river were constant meetingplaces of our group, whether at work or at play - more perhpas to plan than to work.
The road I am talking about is the Buangsiol road or rather that part of it that ran from the small wooden bridge over the Sungai Bangkita to the Sekolah Dato'Moashili. In today's term that would cover the area from the District Council Building all the way to the Central Malay School - a whole 200 yards or so. It seemed quite long then, and we never dare go beyond the demarcation lest we would incur the wrath of our parents or be subjected to the teasing remarks of other groups of the other Kampungs.
That day I was walking through the very same stretch of road. I was then on an official visit to the town and was heading towards the District Office after having disembarked from the express boat at the Immigration landing point. A few family faces greeted me while many others went on their way. I passed the District Council building and noticed many an aspiring drivers learning to do their "L" parking or parallel parking by the building. Many others were standing around and waiting for their turn at the wheel.
On my left was the Chinese Temple with the readial red walls and mural. Further down on my right was the mosque, a pride of the Muslim community when it was first built but which has since been outgrownby the population. I walked further and before me were a few three storey buildings which served either as commercial, light industrial or residential tenements. Across the road from them and besides he mosque were new blocks of primary school building (the Central Malay School). Just across the road from this primary school used to stand a wooden house with attap roof, a house where I was born and raised.
I stopped a while and looked towards the same direction. I wondered what happened to all the rubber trees and the bamboo hedge which separated the piece of land from the road. I used to collect latex fromthose trees,a ndw e used to play hide and seek behind the bamboo hedge. My mind wantdered and I was back in the old kampung standing by the road side watching people on their way back on foot. Bicycles then were a luxury. In the Kampung only Pak Salleh next door owned a Raleigh - the pride of the family.
On the easern side of that whole stretch of road which I just passed, a row of wooden houses (about wo in all) used to stand. They were all on stilts and accessible from the roa only by small wooden briges. They were raised on stilts as they built on the periphery of the padi fields. This stretch of road was every exciting to me especially during Hari Raya the whole kampung would shimmer under the flikering lights of kerosene lamps made of bamboo placed along the railing of the wooden bridges. It was a real spectacle for me.
To be continued.
In April 1985, we were fortunate enough to be able buy a copy of the Sarawak Gazette (Only available in Kuching) and read with a lot of nostalgia, his article, Childhood Days Revisited.
Here I am copying the whole story because I feel that his story must be shared here, if not in the book. If members agree, this would be a fine piece. David please copy and paste into the file of ex-tanjong.
I hope I am not contravening any law regarding copyright. I just want my friend to be featured. This is a gesture which I can make....he had had so many other accolades....and I would like you to have a share in knowing Limbang and part of Mustapha's childhood in the 50's.
Here goes from Page 37, April 1985, Sarawak Gazette
Childhood Days - Revisited by Mustapha Besar (Deputy Manager, Land Custody and Development Authority)
What prompted me to write this I am not sure. Perhaps it was of all the changes that have takenplace or the seemingly new face of the town, or was it the many people I met whom I failed to recognise. Perhaps it was merely nostalgia.I do not think that I would like to turn the clock back but I certainly have fond memories of that serene little town and that small kampung I grew up in.
Perhaps the trouble was I spent very little part of my growing up years inKampung Sialok (or Kampung Sekolah Melayu as it ws better known). As early as 9 years old I was already attending a boarding school (TLS) in Miri. But it didn't matter though for whatever time I had during those trouble free days everything seemed perfect for a young boy who had all the time to play his favourite games among his peers. Indeed there never was a shortage of peers then. There were Kifli,Tuah and ahmad next door,Amin a few houses away, Jamil and Bonsu and a few others acorss the road.
Our domain was that small enclave through which taversed a gravel road which wound its way under the sahde of the overhanging branches of the rubber trees. The trees never grew straight up but always at an incline over the road,a nd when they began to shed their fruits we would collect the shells and seeds scattered everywhere. This domainw as bordered by the padi field on the East and the river ont he West. Both the padi field and the river were constant meetingplaces of our group, whether at work or at play - more perhpas to plan than to work.
The road I am talking about is the Buangsiol road or rather that part of it that ran from the small wooden bridge over the Sungai Bangkita to the Sekolah Dato'Moashili. In today's term that would cover the area from the District Council Building all the way to the Central Malay School - a whole 200 yards or so. It seemed quite long then, and we never dare go beyond the demarcation lest we would incur the wrath of our parents or be subjected to the teasing remarks of other groups of the other Kampungs.
That day I was walking through the very same stretch of road. I was then on an official visit to the town and was heading towards the District Office after having disembarked from the express boat at the Immigration landing point. A few family faces greeted me while many others went on their way. I passed the District Council building and noticed many an aspiring drivers learning to do their "L" parking or parallel parking by the building. Many others were standing around and waiting for their turn at the wheel.
On my left was the Chinese Temple with the readial red walls and mural. Further down on my right was the mosque, a pride of the Muslim community when it was first built but which has since been outgrownby the population. I walked further and before me were a few three storey buildings which served either as commercial, light industrial or residential tenements. Across the road from them and besides he mosque were new blocks of primary school building (the Central Malay School). Just across the road from this primary school used to stand a wooden house with attap roof, a house where I was born and raised.
I stopped a while and looked towards the same direction. I wondered what happened to all the rubber trees and the bamboo hedge which separated the piece of land from the road. I used to collect latex fromthose trees,a ndw e used to play hide and seek behind the bamboo hedge. My mind wantdered and I was back in the old kampung standing by the road side watching people on their way back on foot. Bicycles then were a luxury. In the Kampung only Pak Salleh next door owned a Raleigh - the pride of the family.
On the easern side of that whole stretch of road which I just passed, a row of wooden houses (about wo in all) used to stand. They were all on stilts and accessible from the roa only by small wooden briges. They were raised on stilts as they built on the periphery of the padi fields. This stretch of road was every exciting to me especially during Hari Raya the whole kampung would shimmer under the flikering lights of kerosene lamps made of bamboo placed along the railing of the wooden bridges. It was a real spectacle for me.
To be continued.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Mabel Chiew and TLS culture
To a young boy, a nice, clever young lady is always impressive.
I can still remember Mabel wearing her prefect's badge and how she would stand there directing the to-ing and fro-ing of students for class or for makan. Her voice was firm, kind and loving. Her sisterly attitude was a real "force" in a strong well meaning character. To me her presence was the epitome of responsibility.
At that time I did not know very much about the Foochows being a special breed of determined people who only wanted to do well in life. Today I know them just too well. You can never stop the Foochows who are like runaway trains. They excel in everything and with the speed of lightning.
Once my little boy asked,"Did the Foochows invent everything, like the bullet train in Tokyo?" I answered,"Yes, they can invent everything because they are really smart."
Mabel was a like a big sister to every boy and girl in Tanjong and to me that is what a model headgirl should be like. Mabel should write a book on "How to be a Head Girl and Inspire the students to do well"
She is of course, a no nonsense person. And she has a fantastic brain. I believe when she went to MU , she must have been the top student in her class.
This was what TLS did for me...to have been given the opportunity to study and have models like Mabel and others to follow......to stick to the desk and study and study. We could see our teachers, our head girl and head boy studying hard and having good results. We could also see that the seniors get along very well with each other, helping each other in and out of the classrooms.
Apart from Mabel and her fellow seniors setting a good example in studying and sticking to their desks, I still remember hearing Mr. Lynn practising his Chinese words at night whenever we passed by his hostel after our night prep.
Observing how our seniors study,lead the students,and help everyone including the teachers, had very positive effects on all of us juniors. I consider this a great school culture. And if you carefully map out the career of a good student like Mabel, you would definitely see an ascending graph to great heights. Goals were achieved by TLS students like Mabel. And every day, I wish more and more people can succeed like her so that we do not have so much human wastage.
A school culture like TLS, will defnitely not create any human wastage. The seeds of goal achieving,future orientation and self determination are planted early. The school climate of the 50's,and 60' especially was ideal for human resource development. 50 years later we are still beneficiaries of that legacy. The products like RM, ZAM,UKI,SAM,HAJI ,LLW,DC,and MABEL,DOC CHH,(certainly a long list) the YBs and so many others are still highly PRICED!
I can still remember Mabel wearing her prefect's badge and how she would stand there directing the to-ing and fro-ing of students for class or for makan. Her voice was firm, kind and loving. Her sisterly attitude was a real "force" in a strong well meaning character. To me her presence was the epitome of responsibility.
At that time I did not know very much about the Foochows being a special breed of determined people who only wanted to do well in life. Today I know them just too well. You can never stop the Foochows who are like runaway trains. They excel in everything and with the speed of lightning.
Once my little boy asked,"Did the Foochows invent everything, like the bullet train in Tokyo?" I answered,"Yes, they can invent everything because they are really smart."
Mabel was a like a big sister to every boy and girl in Tanjong and to me that is what a model headgirl should be like. Mabel should write a book on "How to be a Head Girl and Inspire the students to do well"
She is of course, a no nonsense person. And she has a fantastic brain. I believe when she went to MU , she must have been the top student in her class.
This was what TLS did for me...to have been given the opportunity to study and have models like Mabel and others to follow......to stick to the desk and study and study. We could see our teachers, our head girl and head boy studying hard and having good results. We could also see that the seniors get along very well with each other, helping each other in and out of the classrooms.
Apart from Mabel and her fellow seniors setting a good example in studying and sticking to their desks, I still remember hearing Mr. Lynn practising his Chinese words at night whenever we passed by his hostel after our night prep.
Observing how our seniors study,lead the students,and help everyone including the teachers, had very positive effects on all of us juniors. I consider this a great school culture. And if you carefully map out the career of a good student like Mabel, you would definitely see an ascending graph to great heights. Goals were achieved by TLS students like Mabel. And every day, I wish more and more people can succeed like her so that we do not have so much human wastage.
A school culture like TLS, will defnitely not create any human wastage. The seeds of goal achieving,future orientation and self determination are planted early. The school climate of the 50's,and 60' especially was ideal for human resource development. 50 years later we are still beneficiaries of that legacy. The products like RM, ZAM,UKI,SAM,HAJI ,LLW,DC,and MABEL,DOC CHH,(certainly a long list) the YBs and so many others are still highly PRICED!
1968 Part 3/3 - the last entry into the old register book
Anoi Sang
Anthony Balare Sagan
Aren Anyie Ajeng
Cecilia Sendi
Sylvester Chondi Ujang
Cliff Emang Jau
Andrew Dundang
Entri Gemong
Mazlee Gapor Haji Isa
Gilbert Ding Wan
Heng Chieng Leng
Hii Toh Chuang
James Mersing Luhat
Jammuddin Bubin
Jeffery Jok Jau
JOHN SIKIE TAYAI
Kho Thian Wah
Latiff Raup
Liew Bee Sien
Lipeh Kasia
The winds of change had indeed come to TLS and with the last of the Orang Puteh teachers and principals going away, the culture of the TLS was a thing of the past. Sad to say when I lovingly romp "home" to the school whenever I had the opportunity during my university days and later years, the friendly atmosphere, the warm "Good morning, Sir!" seems to have disappeared completely from the school.
I continue to miss the school bell and the smell of the dining hall. And I miss watching senior boys, with their well combed hair avoiding the north side of the school. (more of that later)
An era of our lives together in TLS has gone....but in some ways, we are still tied to each other like the threads in the tapestry of life.
Anthony Balare Sagan
Aren Anyie Ajeng
Cecilia Sendi
Sylvester Chondi Ujang
Cliff Emang Jau
Andrew Dundang
Entri Gemong
Mazlee Gapor Haji Isa
Gilbert Ding Wan
Heng Chieng Leng
Hii Toh Chuang
James Mersing Luhat
Jammuddin Bubin
Jeffery Jok Jau
JOHN SIKIE TAYAI
Kho Thian Wah
Latiff Raup
Liew Bee Sien
Lipeh Kasia
The winds of change had indeed come to TLS and with the last of the Orang Puteh teachers and principals going away, the culture of the TLS was a thing of the past. Sad to say when I lovingly romp "home" to the school whenever I had the opportunity during my university days and later years, the friendly atmosphere, the warm "Good morning, Sir!" seems to have disappeared completely from the school.
I continue to miss the school bell and the smell of the dining hall. And I miss watching senior boys, with their well combed hair avoiding the north side of the school. (more of that later)
An era of our lives together in TLS has gone....but in some ways, we are still tied to each other like the threads in the tapestry of life.
1968 2/3 names of Intake
Tan Jik Kaw
Tay Jui Seng
Teo Boon Pheng
WAHAB HJ DOLLAH
Yong Suk Kin
Catherine Lina
CeceliaTh'ng
Choo Chen Kiang (birthday 13.6)
Goh Choo Kee(birthday 14.6)
Gregory G Goh Hack Pheng
Ho Teck Nam
Kho Leng Kwang (Richard)
Koo Kit Harn
Liding Jonyian (birthday 3.6)
Morshidi bin Tundok
Mary Ng Oi Chin
Phang Nyuk Kiong
Tan Yik Pang
Wong Ping Ging
YUSUF HADI (birthday 15.6)
Andrew Alphonsus Hai
Awang Jaya
Chai Chiew Fong
Christopher Tan Kim Hui
Francis God
Heng Chin Chye
Jamayah Hj Hamdan
Jong Ah Moi
Andrew Lawai Ngau
I am sure you will find great people on this list.
Keep the TLS spirit strong.
Tay Jui Seng
Teo Boon Pheng
WAHAB HJ DOLLAH
Yong Suk Kin
Catherine Lina
CeceliaTh'ng
Choo Chen Kiang (birthday 13.6)
Goh Choo Kee(birthday 14.6)
Gregory G Goh Hack Pheng
Ho Teck Nam
Kho Leng Kwang (Richard)
Koo Kit Harn
Liding Jonyian (birthday 3.6)
Morshidi bin Tundok
Mary Ng Oi Chin
Phang Nyuk Kiong
Tan Yik Pang
Wong Ping Ging
YUSUF HADI (birthday 15.6)
Andrew Alphonsus Hai
Awang Jaya
Chai Chiew Fong
Christopher Tan Kim Hui
Francis God
Heng Chin Chye
Jamayah Hj Hamdan
Jong Ah Moi
Andrew Lawai Ngau
I am sure you will find great people on this list.
Keep the TLS spirit strong.
1968 1/3 First 60 names
Kong Sieng Ling
Leong Chung Thad
Liew Thien Fook
Loh Wani Meng/Loh Wei Ming
Mahani Omar
Mary Imelda Phung
Medihah Khatep
POLET Hamzah
David Putang Balla
Peter Lee
Raymond Tanaraj Noel
Sim Eng Wee
Sim Soon Kia/Sim Seek Piaw
Sulaiman Hanapi
Thomas Yong Su Onn
Elizabeth Teng Ley Kiong
Yong Ai Ngo
Alex Ibrahim
Abdul Rahman Sahari
Ali Bin Mudin
Amin bin Aman
Abdul Rahman bin Abang Haji Abdul Rahim
Alexander Isut Karim
Annis Lim Poh Yong
Bujang Abdullah
Chiew Kian Syn
David Lim Chin Chai
Fauzie Saad Diol
Han Haji Hipnee
Hii See Hung
Jaru Sawat
John Leong Wai Ming
Justin Jawa Angam
Louis Ngui Fook Onn
Maria Marlene Yong
Mina Bilung Southwell
Othman bin Borhan
Raymond Szetu
Rosalind Leong shuet Lin
Sadiah Bujang
Sarkawi bin Mohd Suud
Sebastian Rumpang Bedindang
Stephen Leong
Teresa Pho Siew Hioh
Zaini Bin Oje
Chai Ei
Chai Siew Ling
Chong Chon Lain/Chong Ah Nquiew
David Lau Nai Pek
Foo Yeng Yen/Foo Su Tong
Francis Wong Pek Huo
Ho Chu Ngi
Leong Sai Moi
Liew Tiu Siong
Liew Phet Hiong
Bernard Lim Eng Peng
Paul Ng Chin Shoon
Ngui Hwa Choon
Richard Leong Hock Lee
Bobby Tan Kia Hui
In 1969 a large group of us including Reggie, Gendin, Blawan,Abu Bakar, Regina Szetu, Hilda Yee, and so many others from TLS went to MU and without our actual knowledge a large racial disharmony was brewing. In fact we just missed the large Chinese parade when we arrived at MU.
Some of were sent to their respective residential colleges called First College, Second College,etc. Then a group of us were not allocated with dormitories so we met with Dr. Malik of Third College and like a real mother, she embraced all of us and took us in. That was how a very large number of us ended up in an all girls' college. A block was then set up for the boys.
Because we were so gregarious and friendly, we took to running the college activities, especially Abu Bakar with his loud and commanding voice. We made friends with the other collegians and got along well. TLS had trained us well. Third College was to be our home away from home for the next three years of great university life.
Leong Chung Thad
Liew Thien Fook
Loh Wani Meng/Loh Wei Ming
Mahani Omar
Mary Imelda Phung
Medihah Khatep
POLET Hamzah
David Putang Balla
Peter Lee
Raymond Tanaraj Noel
Sim Eng Wee
Sim Soon Kia/Sim Seek Piaw
Sulaiman Hanapi
Thomas Yong Su Onn
Elizabeth Teng Ley Kiong
Yong Ai Ngo
Alex Ibrahim
Abdul Rahman Sahari
Ali Bin Mudin
Amin bin Aman
Abdul Rahman bin Abang Haji Abdul Rahim
Alexander Isut Karim
Annis Lim Poh Yong
Bujang Abdullah
Chiew Kian Syn
David Lim Chin Chai
Fauzie Saad Diol
Han Haji Hipnee
Hii See Hung
Jaru Sawat
John Leong Wai Ming
Justin Jawa Angam
Louis Ngui Fook Onn
Maria Marlene Yong
Mina Bilung Southwell
Othman bin Borhan
Raymond Szetu
Rosalind Leong shuet Lin
Sadiah Bujang
Sarkawi bin Mohd Suud
Sebastian Rumpang Bedindang
Stephen Leong
Teresa Pho Siew Hioh
Zaini Bin Oje
Chai Ei
Chai Siew Ling
Chong Chon Lain/Chong Ah Nquiew
David Lau Nai Pek
Foo Yeng Yen/Foo Su Tong
Francis Wong Pek Huo
Ho Chu Ngi
Leong Sai Moi
Liew Tiu Siong
Liew Phet Hiong
Bernard Lim Eng Peng
Paul Ng Chin Shoon
Ngui Hwa Choon
Richard Leong Hock Lee
Bobby Tan Kia Hui
In 1969 a large group of us including Reggie, Gendin, Blawan,Abu Bakar, Regina Szetu, Hilda Yee, and so many others from TLS went to MU and without our actual knowledge a large racial disharmony was brewing. In fact we just missed the large Chinese parade when we arrived at MU.
Some of were sent to their respective residential colleges called First College, Second College,etc. Then a group of us were not allocated with dormitories so we met with Dr. Malik of Third College and like a real mother, she embraced all of us and took us in. That was how a very large number of us ended up in an all girls' college. A block was then set up for the boys.
Because we were so gregarious and friendly, we took to running the college activities, especially Abu Bakar with his loud and commanding voice. We made friends with the other collegians and got along well. TLS had trained us well. Third College was to be our home away from home for the next three years of great university life.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
1959 Mr. George Ong and The Sands of Dee How the Matassans saved the day
(My good friend Zainal MA - first from right in a recent college reunion in KL)
Although I was just a tiny boy from Ulu Limbang I found out that I had a very good memory and I could remember every single word of a poem or a song. And that caused a situation in my life. Mr. George Ong our class teacher must have heard me reciting the poem The Sands of Dee and it must have been quite an impressive feat. However I did not understand anything about poetry recital as a finer aspect of life at that time or at that tender age.
When Mr. George Ong asked me to recite The Sands of Dee for a school concert, I refused very adamantly and I believe that juvenile protest of mine, and perhaps even the supposedly rebellious attitude gained his everlasting agnst and distrust towards me. I thought reciting a poem about a girl called Mary was just not exciting or worthwhile and it might be even considered embarrassing!! I did not think at that time my presentation would be well received and I could not entertain the thought of being jeered at, having never in my life presented anything to such a big group of seniors before. I actually cried when he tried to make me see sense. But somehow I just refused flatly.
I understand now that choral speaking and poetry reciting have become very popular English activities in schools again beginning 2000! And that's after a cycle of almost 40 years!
Here is the whole poem to share with you. Now it is ever more meaningful to me plus the anguish I suffered all these years associated with it.
The Sands Of Dee by Charles Kingsley
‘O Mary, go and call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home,
Across the sands of Dee.’
The western wind was wild and dark with foam,
And all alone went she.
The western tide crept up along the sand,
And o’er and o’er the sand,
And round and round the sand,
As far as eye could see.
The rolling mist came down and hid the land:
And never home came she.
‘O is it weed, or fish, or floating hair—
A tress of golden hair,
A drownèd maiden’s hair,
Above the nets at sea?’
Was never salmon yet that shone so fair
Among the stakes of Dee.
They row’d her in across the rolling foam,
The cruel crawling foam,
The cruel hungry foam,
To her grave beside the sea.
But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home,
Across the sands of Dee.
Online text © 1998-2007 Poetry X. All rights reserved.From The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250-1900 Clarendon, 1919
I have to give credit to two friends who turned the situation around. It took Abu Bakar Matasan and Zainal Abidin Matasan to calm down Mr. George Ong. Zainal like a big brother (he wasn't any older than I ) told Mr. Ong not to persuade me any more by saying this,"He feel shame!" (Dia malu). However, I continued to cry. But Mr. Ong continued to be exasperated.
Later the two Matasans presented the poem at the concert. When they finished, there was a thunderous applause.
Zam what was it like after the performance?I can still hear the thunderous applause! And I never got to see the Dee......or to hear Mary calling the cattle home....perhaps one day.
To this day, I am still a little embarrassed because I could not share that accolade with them. Perhaps it was just a cultural difference - Malay, Chinese and Iban longhouse culture. If I had bowed to Mr. Ong's request to recite the poem, what would it have been like? Would the teacher have liked me better? What was really in Mr. Ong's mind?
Mr. George Ong must be in his 70's now. And to this day I still wonder how he feels towards me because I refused to perform for him.
1966-1967 Form Six Years - Baijuri and Asfia
These two years were my Sixth Form Years.
This was the period of self reconciliation for me. FirstlyI was admitted to Sixth Form which dispelled a lot of self doubt and secondly being in Sixth Form, we were informally conscious that we were role models.
All 21 arts students must have felt the same way.
There were two girls, Sukinam Domo and Sylvia Lee. They must have had mixed feelings about those years. Sukinam and Sylvia were seated between Baijuri and Asfia who never failed to entertain the entire class and especially the two.
When there were times when Asfia was late for afternoon class, he pretended to whisper to Baijuri that he just had an erotic dream which made it difficult for him to get up. This supposedly whisper could be heard by me and Alec Kaboy who sat a few desks away. Although it was not supposed to be heard by the two girls, nevertheless, they were able to hear every word.
Today I can still picture very clearly Baijuri and Asfia walking from the dormitory to the school block. Both are very lean and lanky. And Baijuri habitually advised Asfia not to go out too much in the open field around the school, lest he would be blown away by the wind. Prominently Asfia had his red belt around his waist which was one of his key icons.
Both of them were good debators. Even at that time, everyone realised the potentials of these two young men. Both went to England. Baijuri became a qualified valuer, had a successful civil service career and topped it of by becoming the State Director of Lands and Survey. Personally I thought it was a blessing he did not take up law because if he did I would have big competiton in hand.
Asfia became a successful lawyer. He is equally successful in politics. He is now the Dewan Undangan Negri Speaker. From the recent report of the sitting it is clear that he is able to diffuse the many tense happenings in the August house.
As a student Asfia, was clearly a role model in his own hometown in Bintulu. Haji Mohammad once told me that in Bintulu he was yardstick of Intelligence or IQ. The locals would always ask ,when a student was said to be academically clever,"Siapa pandai, dia atau Asfia?" (Is he as clever as Asfia?)
There would be other stories later.
This was the period of self reconciliation for me. FirstlyI was admitted to Sixth Form which dispelled a lot of self doubt and secondly being in Sixth Form, we were informally conscious that we were role models.
All 21 arts students must have felt the same way.
There were two girls, Sukinam Domo and Sylvia Lee. They must have had mixed feelings about those years. Sukinam and Sylvia were seated between Baijuri and Asfia who never failed to entertain the entire class and especially the two.
When there were times when Asfia was late for afternoon class, he pretended to whisper to Baijuri that he just had an erotic dream which made it difficult for him to get up. This supposedly whisper could be heard by me and Alec Kaboy who sat a few desks away. Although it was not supposed to be heard by the two girls, nevertheless, they were able to hear every word.
Today I can still picture very clearly Baijuri and Asfia walking from the dormitory to the school block. Both are very lean and lanky. And Baijuri habitually advised Asfia not to go out too much in the open field around the school, lest he would be blown away by the wind. Prominently Asfia had his red belt around his waist which was one of his key icons.
Both of them were good debators. Even at that time, everyone realised the potentials of these two young men. Both went to England. Baijuri became a qualified valuer, had a successful civil service career and topped it of by becoming the State Director of Lands and Survey. Personally I thought it was a blessing he did not take up law because if he did I would have big competiton in hand.
Asfia became a successful lawyer. He is equally successful in politics. He is now the Dewan Undangan Negri Speaker. From the recent report of the sitting it is clear that he is able to diffuse the many tense happenings in the August house.
As a student Asfia, was clearly a role model in his own hometown in Bintulu. Haji Mohammad once told me that in Bintulu he was yardstick of Intelligence or IQ. The locals would always ask ,when a student was said to be academically clever,"Siapa pandai, dia atau Asfia?" (Is he as clever as Asfia?)
There would be other stories later.
Asi Iboh - the First Kelabit SAO 1966
Asi Ibuh should go down in our history book as the first Kelabit to be employed by the government as an SAO.
Three people in 1966 went for the interview of two vacancies for Sarawak Adminstrative Officer and three of us were short listed: Celestine Ujang, Asi and I. The two had very long interviews and they filled the vacancies.
My interview was made up of two questions: Are you still interested in working? There are 280 vacancies for clerks in various departments with a monthly salary of 180 dollars. I was never asked to give an answer because they knew that was not my choice of a perfect job.
The next question was "Are you still in school, attending Lower Sixth?" To which I said yes immediately. Then the Chairman, Pengarah Montegrai said,"Go back and we will see in your interview in your application for scholarship next year." They obviously kept their promise and I was awarded a Federal Scholarship to do BA and Dip Ed in MU. CU and Asi got the job and I had to take the next plane back to Miri. My first ever plane ride was for this interview.
Asi deserved the post as he went on to be a very successful Civil Servant until his untimely demise several years ago. As for Celestine he was picked up to enter politics where he excelled to become a very distinguished State Minister for many years.
Asi and I went back or a long long time and we were like blood brothers and he was very protective of me from the day we met. We met often long after school life ended for us. When we met later in life, our TLS spirit was with us and he went out of his way to help me as he was then the District Officer of Baram, in a case that I was involved in. Without him and his help, it would have been very tedious and difficult. I regret to this day I never met or came across any of his children.
Two spectacular incidents are always in my mind.
We were in Form Four . The two of us were in the Arts class under Mrs. George Ong as we did not have enough subjects for Senior Cambridge. I could not take Craft and Bead work because I thought it was for girls only, so I had to do Still Life and thus I drew lots of flowers. I could not take carpentry up to Form Five because that subject was not offered,although I had obtained a distinction in woodwork at Form Three, thanks to Mr. James Foh's teaching, and actually I have a passion for carpentry. Similarly Asi liked drawing, especially still life.
Asi would often show me his pictures of pottery, and of course some of the pottery art pieces were very akin to the rears of the female body. As youthful boys, we would have good laughs. But unfortunately, one day Mrs. George Ong passed our desks and she also noticed what Asi had drawn which was an abstract female bottom. She thought we were laughing at her and that Asi was making a caricature of her. She burst out angrily and stormed out of the class.
Immediately Mr. George Ong came in to scold the two of us and told us very roughly that there would be an Emergency Staff meeting to discuss our fate. Our so called mischief must have been the subject of the debate. Not long after that, Mr. Richard Tze , who had taught me since 1959,came to see me and Asi personally and told us,"All except two of the teachers voted to retain the two of you. Sawan and Asi, you lucky chaps, you will not be expelled~~!"
We were dumbfounded because we did not know what was going on!
To this day, Asi and I still did not know the whole story and who voted against us. But we were very grateful to Mr. Richard Tze who must have defended us well. I understand subsequently that my history teacher, Mr. Dewhurst's only complaint against me during the meeting was that I fell asleep in one of his afternoon history classes. He even said that his lesson must have been so boring that I fell asleep. And I am not sureyears later why I picked up history as my major at the university and came out with an honours degree. And indeed I stayed back to do Diploma of Education to become a history teacher as well. Perhaps it is a personal acknowledgement to all those teachers and principals in TLS who moulded my life and the others as well during those years.
The pottery caricature incident was a third near miss of my TLS years . Perhaps it could even be considered the third miracle in my life.
The first miracle was I was plucked from Ulu Limbang and was placed in a foreign place like TLS. The second was when I was supposed to have failed my common entrance in 1960 I was recommended by Mr. Richard Tze to Form One in the second selection. The fourth was when Freda Kedung threw away her application form to enter Form Six which was picked up by William Laing. I grabbed it from William and told him that he already had one. I filled it up and submitted it to Mr. Nicholl which ended me the last place in Sixth Form, within the 21 student chosen to enter Form Six ARts.
The second spectacular incident involving Asi
Asi has always been special and I need to relate this very touching and compassionate story about him. This actually happened a few weeks before the near - expulsion incident.
I remember Mr. Dewhurst was starting a history lesson when a group of Penans entered our class which was on the first floor of the building asked who was ASI (Mana ASI?) and one of them handed him a letter, a brown envelope, addressed to ASI. Medical Officer, Miri.
Aso said, "That's me." And Mr. Dewhurst asked him to go out and have a word with the Penans.
He came back very shortly to tell Mr. Dewhurst ,"Sir, they want me to send them to the TB hospital. ". The TB hospital was about 2 kilometres from the school.
And Asi walked with the Penans, all dressed up in their traditional attire, to the TB hospital and it was with the permission of Mr. Dewhurst and the school as well. Needless to say that Asi was always obliging and chivalrous to any one who needed help and he was like that all his life. Basically he was like Keningau, big and gentle and never a bully.
Later, I was to understand that what was actually written on the envelope was an abbreviation for Assistant. Hence ASI should have been read as ASST.
I was told that the Medical Officer from Marudi who wrote the letter was an expat himself.
I can in fact write a whole long chapter just on Asi and who and what he was. He deserved a lot more in life.
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Three people in 1966 went for the interview of two vacancies for Sarawak Adminstrative Officer and three of us were short listed: Celestine Ujang, Asi and I. The two had very long interviews and they filled the vacancies.
My interview was made up of two questions: Are you still interested in working? There are 280 vacancies for clerks in various departments with a monthly salary of 180 dollars. I was never asked to give an answer because they knew that was not my choice of a perfect job.
The next question was "Are you still in school, attending Lower Sixth?" To which I said yes immediately. Then the Chairman, Pengarah Montegrai said,"Go back and we will see in your interview in your application for scholarship next year." They obviously kept their promise and I was awarded a Federal Scholarship to do BA and Dip Ed in MU. CU and Asi got the job and I had to take the next plane back to Miri. My first ever plane ride was for this interview.
Asi deserved the post as he went on to be a very successful Civil Servant until his untimely demise several years ago. As for Celestine he was picked up to enter politics where he excelled to become a very distinguished State Minister for many years.
Asi and I went back or a long long time and we were like blood brothers and he was very protective of me from the day we met. We met often long after school life ended for us. When we met later in life, our TLS spirit was with us and he went out of his way to help me as he was then the District Officer of Baram, in a case that I was involved in. Without him and his help, it would have been very tedious and difficult. I regret to this day I never met or came across any of his children.
Two spectacular incidents are always in my mind.
We were in Form Four . The two of us were in the Arts class under Mrs. George Ong as we did not have enough subjects for Senior Cambridge. I could not take Craft and Bead work because I thought it was for girls only, so I had to do Still Life and thus I drew lots of flowers. I could not take carpentry up to Form Five because that subject was not offered,although I had obtained a distinction in woodwork at Form Three, thanks to Mr. James Foh's teaching, and actually I have a passion for carpentry. Similarly Asi liked drawing, especially still life.
Asi would often show me his pictures of pottery, and of course some of the pottery art pieces were very akin to the rears of the female body. As youthful boys, we would have good laughs. But unfortunately, one day Mrs. George Ong passed our desks and she also noticed what Asi had drawn which was an abstract female bottom. She thought we were laughing at her and that Asi was making a caricature of her. She burst out angrily and stormed out of the class.
Immediately Mr. George Ong came in to scold the two of us and told us very roughly that there would be an Emergency Staff meeting to discuss our fate. Our so called mischief must have been the subject of the debate. Not long after that, Mr. Richard Tze , who had taught me since 1959,came to see me and Asi personally and told us,"All except two of the teachers voted to retain the two of you. Sawan and Asi, you lucky chaps, you will not be expelled~~!"
We were dumbfounded because we did not know what was going on!
To this day, Asi and I still did not know the whole story and who voted against us. But we were very grateful to Mr. Richard Tze who must have defended us well. I understand subsequently that my history teacher, Mr. Dewhurst's only complaint against me during the meeting was that I fell asleep in one of his afternoon history classes. He even said that his lesson must have been so boring that I fell asleep. And I am not sureyears later why I picked up history as my major at the university and came out with an honours degree. And indeed I stayed back to do Diploma of Education to become a history teacher as well. Perhaps it is a personal acknowledgement to all those teachers and principals in TLS who moulded my life and the others as well during those years.
The pottery caricature incident was a third near miss of my TLS years . Perhaps it could even be considered the third miracle in my life.
The first miracle was I was plucked from Ulu Limbang and was placed in a foreign place like TLS. The second was when I was supposed to have failed my common entrance in 1960 I was recommended by Mr. Richard Tze to Form One in the second selection. The fourth was when Freda Kedung threw away her application form to enter Form Six which was picked up by William Laing. I grabbed it from William and told him that he already had one. I filled it up and submitted it to Mr. Nicholl which ended me the last place in Sixth Form, within the 21 student chosen to enter Form Six ARts.
The second spectacular incident involving Asi
Asi has always been special and I need to relate this very touching and compassionate story about him. This actually happened a few weeks before the near - expulsion incident.
I remember Mr. Dewhurst was starting a history lesson when a group of Penans entered our class which was on the first floor of the building asked who was ASI (Mana ASI?) and one of them handed him a letter, a brown envelope, addressed to ASI. Medical Officer, Miri.
Aso said, "That's me." And Mr. Dewhurst asked him to go out and have a word with the Penans.
He came back very shortly to tell Mr. Dewhurst ,"Sir, they want me to send them to the TB hospital. ". The TB hospital was about 2 kilometres from the school.
And Asi walked with the Penans, all dressed up in their traditional attire, to the TB hospital and it was with the permission of Mr. Dewhurst and the school as well. Needless to say that Asi was always obliging and chivalrous to any one who needed help and he was like that all his life. Basically he was like Keningau, big and gentle and never a bully.
Later, I was to understand that what was actually written on the envelope was an abbreviation for Assistant. Hence ASI should have been read as ASST.
I was told that the Medical Officer from Marudi who wrote the letter was an expat himself.
I can in fact write a whole long chapter just on Asi and who and what he was. He deserved a lot more in life.
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1967 name list part 5/5
Mohidin bin Ishak
Ngen Meng Kiang
Ngu Lee Nah
SHE JOO CHIN
Tee Kong Yoke
Ting Chin Teck
Yeo Geok Hoe
Yusof Awg Nassar
Kho Bee Lian
Kho Tze Tzang
Yu Chu Ngee
Yew Chu Fu
Ho Chow Yong
Yee Yong Yaw
Abdillah bin Aton
Liu Ng Leen
Louis Huong How King
Masar Talenta Teddy
Lee Kee Pui
Yong Chung Nyen
Joshua Betie Kunchit
Henry Garner
Ho Wun Kun
Chan Tze Chon @ Chan Jin Chiew
Ding Seling (rejoined the school to complete his sixth form)
Mohidin Ishak won the first prize as the Best Reader in school om 1967. This was based on the number of books he borrowed from the school library which then was well stocked with assorted English novels from Charlotte Bronte to DH Lawrence. I am wondering whether students at TLS still enjoy reading books from the TLS library and what has happened to all those books.
I think the school library two classroom size area and we spent most of our free time in the library. I enjoyed reading the National Geographic which was a source of inspiration for many of us. Borrowing and returning of books were strictly controlled under the school rules. Of course at times, library time was abused,and used as dating time for some of us. I am sure I was not one of them. :)
Together with Mohidin,another girl student, whom I remember only as Susie, won the other prize. The handing over of the prizes, the late Mr. Robert Nicholl remarked," Now boys and girls, the only thing that I wish would happen is for Susie to marry Mohidin!"
Mohidin,like several others,went to the university, is now the current General Manager of BDA, Bintulu Development Authority. As other TLS would I am very proud to have been his school mate and associated with him.
Shee Joo Chin as I remember him, was fondly called Keningau because physically he was bigger than the rest of us. I would say he is a gentle giant.
Keningau was a coastal vessel that plied from Kuching to Miri. And those TLS from Kuching Sibu, Simanggang, would surely remember their slow journey in Keningau which would take two nights and two days along the long coast of Sarawak.
And I knew that Joo Shin never took advantage of his size to bully the younger and smaller boys and girls of TLS. And I would say bullying during the TLS years though not obvious did occur, for which I was involved in a fist fight , which Haji Mohammad and many others had witnessed and in front of the school flag post.
I always detest bullying in school because it had always had communal elements and in this respect Mr. Robert Nicholl must have successfully eliminated bullying during his years.
Joo Chin got along really well with boys and girls of all races. I am sure he was not conscious of it but many of us would remember that was the case. I remember his best friend was Lawrence Lee who still refers to him as Keningau, each time we meet up here in Miri.
Joo Chin has a very successful career in the Civil Service and I only realise that he was married to one of my classmates of Form I-Form 3 years( only very recently) and I am so very surprised that he speaks very fluent Iban. If you take an evening jog in one of the recreation spots in Miri you might meet him.
Lawrence Lee was considered a Romeo of his time because he was tall, good looking and attractive. Most of us were fairly envious of his popularity among the girls.
Lawrence is very successful in business and recently has told me that no one should retire regardless of age or physical disadvantage.
Ngen Meng Kiang
Ngu Lee Nah
SHE JOO CHIN
Tee Kong Yoke
Ting Chin Teck
Yeo Geok Hoe
Yusof Awg Nassar
Kho Bee Lian
Kho Tze Tzang
Yu Chu Ngee
Yew Chu Fu
Ho Chow Yong
Yee Yong Yaw
Abdillah bin Aton
Liu Ng Leen
Louis Huong How King
Masar Talenta Teddy
Lee Kee Pui
Yong Chung Nyen
Joshua Betie Kunchit
Henry Garner
Ho Wun Kun
Chan Tze Chon @ Chan Jin Chiew
Ding Seling (rejoined the school to complete his sixth form)
Mohidin Ishak won the first prize as the Best Reader in school om 1967. This was based on the number of books he borrowed from the school library which then was well stocked with assorted English novels from Charlotte Bronte to DH Lawrence. I am wondering whether students at TLS still enjoy reading books from the TLS library and what has happened to all those books.
I think the school library two classroom size area and we spent most of our free time in the library. I enjoyed reading the National Geographic which was a source of inspiration for many of us. Borrowing and returning of books were strictly controlled under the school rules. Of course at times, library time was abused,and used as dating time for some of us. I am sure I was not one of them. :)
Together with Mohidin,another girl student, whom I remember only as Susie, won the other prize. The handing over of the prizes, the late Mr. Robert Nicholl remarked," Now boys and girls, the only thing that I wish would happen is for Susie to marry Mohidin!"
Mohidin,like several others,went to the university, is now the current General Manager of BDA, Bintulu Development Authority. As other TLS would I am very proud to have been his school mate and associated with him.
Shee Joo Chin as I remember him, was fondly called Keningau because physically he was bigger than the rest of us. I would say he is a gentle giant.
Keningau was a coastal vessel that plied from Kuching to Miri. And those TLS from Kuching Sibu, Simanggang, would surely remember their slow journey in Keningau which would take two nights and two days along the long coast of Sarawak.
And I knew that Joo Shin never took advantage of his size to bully the younger and smaller boys and girls of TLS. And I would say bullying during the TLS years though not obvious did occur, for which I was involved in a fist fight , which Haji Mohammad and many others had witnessed and in front of the school flag post.
I always detest bullying in school because it had always had communal elements and in this respect Mr. Robert Nicholl must have successfully eliminated bullying during his years.
Joo Chin got along really well with boys and girls of all races. I am sure he was not conscious of it but many of us would remember that was the case. I remember his best friend was Lawrence Lee who still refers to him as Keningau, each time we meet up here in Miri.
Joo Chin has a very successful career in the Civil Service and I only realise that he was married to one of my classmates of Form I-Form 3 years( only very recently) and I am so very surprised that he speaks very fluent Iban. If you take an evening jog in one of the recreation spots in Miri you might meet him.
Lawrence Lee was considered a Romeo of his time because he was tall, good looking and attractive. Most of us were fairly envious of his popularity among the girls.
Lawrence is very successful in business and recently has told me that no one should retire regardless of age or physical disadvantage.
1967 name list part 4/5
Talib bin Zulphilip
Abang Hj Kassim
Sahri bin Man
Anthony Lawai Kulai
Ling Kai Chiew
Esmawi Othman
Jacinta Bulau Insol
Awang Drahman Awang Reduan
David Chin Kee Hin (Lawas)
Johnson Huong Tang Ing
Junaidi bin Pee
Talib has indeed a very successful career with SEDC and is now the YB for Jepak. When in TLS he was a very good debator and one of the finest students in all respect. He was very proper, polite and well liked.
The late Mr. Robert Nicholl would have been very proud of him if he had lived to see Talip's success. And I am sure, the Dewan Speaker (Asfia) , another TLS,would gladly share my view. I will describe my Sixth Form years in another post.
Abang Haji Kassim , (a very successful career with the Civil Service),together with him in 1967,during the TLS inter house sports meet,Kassim as I knew him then,together with Zakaria Kawi,Hilary Kerish, and I broke the 400x4 meters relay school record. This record which set by the late Joni Mustapha and his team in 1959 had remained unbroken until that year. Needless to say I feel proud to have been in this relay team and have known him as a friend.
Abang Haji Kassim also excelled academically and he was one of the few who went to further his studies in the UK. Upon his return he made it to the post of State Director of Forestry. It must be the TLS experience, like a few other TLS who rose to the top most ranks in Sarawak in their undertakings.
Jacinta Insol was the first Iban girl to be admitted to Sixth Form and completed the course. She went on to be an excellent teacher, teaching in various schools in Sarawak, especially in Bintulu area.
Abang Hj Kassim
Sahri bin Man
Anthony Lawai Kulai
Ling Kai Chiew
Esmawi Othman
Jacinta Bulau Insol
Awang Drahman Awang Reduan
David Chin Kee Hin (Lawas)
Johnson Huong Tang Ing
Junaidi bin Pee
Talib has indeed a very successful career with SEDC and is now the YB for Jepak. When in TLS he was a very good debator and one of the finest students in all respect. He was very proper, polite and well liked.
The late Mr. Robert Nicholl would have been very proud of him if he had lived to see Talip's success. And I am sure, the Dewan Speaker (Asfia) , another TLS,would gladly share my view. I will describe my Sixth Form years in another post.
Abang Haji Kassim , (a very successful career with the Civil Service),together with him in 1967,during the TLS inter house sports meet,Kassim as I knew him then,together with Zakaria Kawi,Hilary Kerish, and I broke the 400x4 meters relay school record. This record which set by the late Joni Mustapha and his team in 1959 had remained unbroken until that year. Needless to say I feel proud to have been in this relay team and have known him as a friend.
Abang Haji Kassim also excelled academically and he was one of the few who went to further his studies in the UK. Upon his return he made it to the post of State Director of Forestry. It must be the TLS experience, like a few other TLS who rose to the top most ranks in Sarawak in their undertakings.
Jacinta Insol was the first Iban girl to be admitted to Sixth Form and completed the course. She went on to be an excellent teacher, teaching in various schools in Sarawak, especially in Bintulu area.
Katut Achong and 1967 name list part 3/5
Katut Achong and I at a wedding party 2008
Peter Raig Rohai(MU)
Phang Chung Nyap (now in US)
Joseph Pita
Jelaing Mersat(another MU and now YB)
Liew Si Chung (Now in Riam Secondary School, Miri)
Laji Saibi
Kushairi Suut (Successful career with the Police)
Boniface Deyoi
Asber Jive Kaur
Amin Sahmat
Albert Rony Assim(successful career with the Foreign Service)
David Leong Hin Keong
Then Hon Chew
Chong Chon Chee
Teo Siak Pheng
Nicholas Yee
Chang Foh soon
Bong Ai Lam
Abdul Rahman Marbot
Abdul Khalek Yusuf
Ibahahim bin Mohammad or Mohd Ibrahim Shah
Katut achong (Successful career with education)
Loh Sia Hian
Liew Men Chian
Leo Francis Michael Toyad (Very successful politician and Federal Minister for a very long time)
Liew Mui Lan
Lim Chu Kia
Hillary Kerish Santan
Patunah Rashid (married Mohd Sabil, who had a successful career in Education and was State Director of Education until he retired recently)
Jemat Unding'
Lily Hii Hiong Huan
Kolony Jeti
Kalang Akub
Ajeng Jau Uyo
Abdullah Sanee bin Sarujee (very successful career in politics and business)
Raden ak Garan
Ngu Siok Hiong
Symeon Ngabong Beduru (deceased at a very young age)
Phusu Lugun (who never seem to age and we met recently)
James Robert Renang (passed away when he was manager of SLDB)
Ling Kai Ming
Justin Sigoh
Something remarkbable about Katut Achong. Once, during his days with me at the University of Malaya taught me the value of eggs taken raw. I remember the coffee shop owner where we were having coffee was stunned when he ordered two raw eggs which he cracked into his hot boiling black coffee. And he told me it was good for the brain.
Subsequently when I served as Principal of SEDAYA, I requested for him to be my Assistant Principal. We worked very well together, with the now YB Billy Abit who was also my Assistant Principal. Unfortunately I had to leave after ten months in Kanowit to take up law in England. He and Billy held the fort for me until YB Dato Gramong Juna (also a TLS) took over as the new Principal of SEDAYA, Kanowit.
AS Principal during the Kanowit year (1975) my experience in Tanjong Lobang was of invaluable help in running the school. Both YB Billy Abit and Katut had similar boarding school experience. I would like to think that the ex-students of Sedaya 1975 had fond memories of that particular year.
1967 name list part 2/5
Sim Teng Fong
UItap Anyie Ajang
Ali Asghar Khan Sabir Alik Khan
Lau Nyut Ha
Goh Chin Hwa
WEE HAN WEN (Now Mayor of Miri)
Heng Hock Cheng (now SHELL)
Wee Hui Chiew
Yahya Daud(Plantations)
Paul Klanang
(He is perhaps the only one who married his school day girl friend from Lutong)
Joseph Wong Lok Chin
Lau Chong Un
Lam Lee Khiong
Arthur Yong Tshe Liung
Liu Thien Chon
robert Rae Vatsaloo
Victor Silvester Lee (Judo exponent of the school & successful engineer)
Ong Wei Hue or Ong Wei Hui
Kho Boon Ming (Be)
Abdul Hamid bin Mohd Yusof alias Bujang (Fatimah Hotel)
Abdullah Ahmad Jaraee (fondly known as Dollah Pendek at MU) one of the rare ones from Kapit and "boasted" that those from the place of his birth do not have smelly armpit
Zakaria bin Kawi (Hurdler) - successful career with the foreign service
William Phoa Boo Leong (Mukah boy who was my table mate and friend until now)
Sahrir bin Abdul Rahman
Lawrence Foo Shi Wan
Regina Szetu Mee Chan
Walter Thomas Dior
Peli Aron
Douglas Endawi Ojai
Hilda Yee Sau Phing
Hilary Ginang Ngelambang
Watt Lanyau Entaban
Peli Aron was a very good singer during our school time. He was always proper and ethical in every way.
He was our lead singer of our pop band called "Desperadoes" whose other members were Zainal Abidin Matasan, Dom Mattu, Reggie Tersan. Our favourite songs were Speedy Gonzales (which Peli sang very well), all of Johnny Tillotson's songs, Elvis Presley's songs, and so on.
For the band, we borrowed guitars from Zainal who was a drummer with a Miri band. I had my own hand which Jeffery Pasang and I made from scratch. Unforetunately it was thrown away. I still have a photo of me with my little red guitar in my old album. I remember having the photo blown up and presented to Zainal when we were requested to regroup during the Shell MD's birthday dinner in Piasau 100. But regretfully Peli and REggie were not there but Pasang and Dom were there. My old friend, Freda,took over the lead singing role.
UItap Anyie Ajang
Ali Asghar Khan Sabir Alik Khan
Lau Nyut Ha
Goh Chin Hwa
WEE HAN WEN (Now Mayor of Miri)
Heng Hock Cheng (now SHELL)
Wee Hui Chiew
Yahya Daud(Plantations)
Paul Klanang
(He is perhaps the only one who married his school day girl friend from Lutong)
Joseph Wong Lok Chin
Lau Chong Un
Lam Lee Khiong
Arthur Yong Tshe Liung
Liu Thien Chon
robert Rae Vatsaloo
Victor Silvester Lee (Judo exponent of the school & successful engineer)
Ong Wei Hue or Ong Wei Hui
Kho Boon Ming (Be)
Abdul Hamid bin Mohd Yusof alias Bujang (Fatimah Hotel)
Abdullah Ahmad Jaraee (fondly known as Dollah Pendek at MU) one of the rare ones from Kapit and "boasted" that those from the place of his birth do not have smelly armpit
Zakaria bin Kawi (Hurdler) - successful career with the foreign service
William Phoa Boo Leong (Mukah boy who was my table mate and friend until now)
Sahrir bin Abdul Rahman
Lawrence Foo Shi Wan
Regina Szetu Mee Chan
Walter Thomas Dior
Peli Aron
Douglas Endawi Ojai
Hilda Yee Sau Phing
Hilary Ginang Ngelambang
Watt Lanyau Entaban
Peli Aron was a very good singer during our school time. He was always proper and ethical in every way.
He was our lead singer of our pop band called "Desperadoes" whose other members were Zainal Abidin Matasan, Dom Mattu, Reggie Tersan. Our favourite songs were Speedy Gonzales (which Peli sang very well), all of Johnny Tillotson's songs, Elvis Presley's songs, and so on.
For the band, we borrowed guitars from Zainal who was a drummer with a Miri band. I had my own hand which Jeffery Pasang and I made from scratch. Unforetunately it was thrown away. I still have a photo of me with my little red guitar in my old album. I remember having the photo blown up and presented to Zainal when we were requested to regroup during the Shell MD's birthday dinner in Piasau 100. But regretfully Peli and REggie were not there but Pasang and Dom were there. My old friend, Freda,took over the lead singing role.
1967 name list Part 1/5
In 1967, several groups of Sixth Form were opened up and a very large group of science came from all over Sarawak. The school was slowly changing from one established to cater for poor remote rural students to a bigger sixth form college with students originating from towns also. And that included a large number of Miri town students.
Albert Chai Sin Fatt
Adelbert Entalai Sawing
Abu Kassim Hamzah
Atong Chuat
Edwin Assu
Gia Bala
Hamdan Madlan
Hazmi Zaini
Langgan Ratih
Mahmud Yusuf
Mohamad Arsat
Mohidin Edris
Phang Mee Hong
Robert Seli
Rosalind Assan
Ramlah Kambar
Siang Bee Liang
Tang Tiong Kong
Wong Liang Chee
Enche Abdullah Enche Ali
Abdullah Awang Nassar
Awang Abdul Rahim Awang Adon
Ang Boon Hiang
Jack Umong
Joseph Remo
Judy Hung man Min
Lee Swee Ding
Lucas Mara
Mutang Maran
Francis Poh Eng Hua
Albert Chai Sin Fatt
Adelbert Entalai Sawing
Abu Kassim Hamzah
Atong Chuat
Edwin Assu
Gia Bala
Hamdan Madlan
Hazmi Zaini
Langgan Ratih
Mahmud Yusuf
Mohamad Arsat
Mohidin Edris
Phang Mee Hong
Robert Seli
Rosalind Assan
Ramlah Kambar
Siang Bee Liang
Tang Tiong Kong
Wong Liang Chee
Enche Abdullah Enche Ali
Abdullah Awang Nassar
Awang Abdul Rahim Awang Adon
Ang Boon Hiang
Jack Umong
Joseph Remo
Judy Hung man Min
Lee Swee Ding
Lucas Mara
Mutang Maran
Francis Poh Eng Hua
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