Nostalgia For Old School Ways

By- Masriwanie Muhamading (NST)

SMART METHOD: SMK King Edward VII alumni recall being whipped into shape by the principal’s old-fashioned but highly effective ‘rotan’

KUALA LUMPUR: LAUGHTER filled the room as some not-so-pleasant but hilarious moments from the past resurfaced at the reunion of SMK King Edward VII,   Taiping,  alumni.

Lim Ka Huat, of the class of 1974, said among the most unforgettable school moments for him were the monthly progress report checks.

"We had monthly tests and every end of the month, the school principal would check the progress of each student.

"Those who had one or more red marks on his report would have to see him in his office, where they would be caned on the buttocks for their bad results.

"The principal had six rattan canes, ranging from 12mm to 15mm in diameter, to choose from.

"On that day, we would all be waiting anxiously in our classrooms for the office boy to come and call out the names of those who had failed in their subjects.

"I was one of the those caned. It hurt so much that it was difficult to sit afterwards," recalled Lim.

Idris Abdullah Eng, of the class of 1975, was quick to add: "Kalau setahun tak kena rotan tak sah (The year wouldn't be complete without a caning).

"Punishment by caning was common for us in those days. Not all the teachers carried a rattan cane but most disciplinary offences meant a caning on the buttocks.

"Those caught for more serious offences such as smoking, stealing and getting into a fight are punished by a public caning in front of the whole school during morning assembly.

"It was not only painful but it was also embarrassing. None of us wanted a repeat so we learnt to behaved," said Idris.

Mohd Nazri Md Nor, of the class of 1981, said for those staying at the school hostel had to deal with not only a strict warden, who made the students wear nothing except a sarong when they were caned, but also the constant ringing of the school bell.

"In the wee hours of the morning, the bell is rung to wake the students. Another ring marks bath time, then one ring for breakfast, one at the start of a class, one for recess and even one for leisure hour.

"We were guided in our daily routine by the bell.

"Until today, whenever I hear a bell ringing, I feel as though I am required to do something," said Nazri.

Datuk Teoh Teik Lee, 88, who graduated in 1941, recalled how supportive the principal and teachers were during sporting events.

"Whenever a match took place, they would come to the field to see how the students are doing and offer encouragement and emotional support.

"The teachers were respected yet they were also friendly and could mingle with the students especially during sports and co-curricular activities.

"The students, on the other hand, share a strong bond and team spirit that I believe are the result of the emphasis on sports," said Teoh.

Over 300 alumni of the SMK King Edward VII were contacted for the annual reunion dinner that evening.

Duduk dari kiri: Zaharuddin,Zainal Abidin, Zulkifli Mohd, Din Selamat, Azman Isa, Ariffuddin Azmi Abu Kasim, Abdullah Hemdi dan Jamal Wahid

Berdiri dari kri: Nazri Noor, Roslan Abdul Rahman,Hariri Kassim, ALJH, Shahril Lamin, Wan Akmar, Razak Yusof dan Raja Anuar Zalehan Shah.

Read more: Nostalgia for old school ways - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/nostalgia-for-old-school-ways-1.436399#ixzz2nrs9ekasto

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