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Monday, May 12, 2008

about me

FORM ONE A 1973- MUHDDAMINE - THE TALLEST GUY STANDING
About me I was born in 1958 in Kampung Pantong, Simunjan. I was sent to school when I was 8 years old in 1967 at Sungai Apin District Council School. This was due to alternate intake at that time. When I was 7 yrs old, there was no primary one intake, so I have to wait for another year. My late father wanted to send me to school at the age of 6, but my late mom said I was still too young to go to school. (at that time there was no kinder-garten). I was in Primary Six in 1972. I sat for Common Entrance Examination, whch is equivalent to UPSR. I was taught by only one teacher that was Mr Kipli bin Tupong (retired-the last post was as a Headmaster in Abang Man Primary School, Simunjan.) The Headmaster was Mr. Ahmad Awad al-Haj (also retired) The result of the Common Entrance Examination was announced. I obtained a very good result. Six of us were selected to go for Form One at Tun Abang haji Openg Secondary School in Kuching. Due to financial problem, my family could afford to send me to study there. Hence, I was sent to Simunjan Government Secondary School. (thank you Mr Kipli and Mr. Ahmad Awad-without your great efforts, I may not be in this position) I was a boarder. This was the first time I stayed away from my family. It was very interesting however. I stayed in the dormitory with my friends of various races from all over Simunjan District. They were Ibans, Malays, Javanese and Chinese. We stayed together as brothers. I was in Form One A, the best class with 35 students. I was offered Advanced Malay, English, Intergrated Science, Mathematics Course B (which was tougher than Coures A), Husbanndry (Agricultural Science) Woodwork, Physical Education. History, Geography and PE was he subject I hate the most. My teacher was Mr Setphen Passin (retired). He was the father of Madam Teresa Stephen. Times went on smoothly. In 1975 I sat for my Sarawak Junior School certificate Examination (SJC) SJC was equivalent to PMR. I obtained a Grade I – my family was very proud of my colourful achievements. My village folk was also very happy with my achievement. I was sent to Tun Openg Secondary School. To study in Form Four. The school was located across the Sarawak River. To go to Kuching Town we have to go on board a sampan. I passed the dull moments for 2 years. I said it was a dull moments because of the water supply problems.More often we had to hunt for water a mile away from our boarding house to get clean. I was active in St John’s Ambulance. I was proud to wear my uniform especially when I was sent to be on duty outstation (during inter-school athletics meets) I sat for my Malaysian certificate of Education Examination (MCE) on November 1977. I was very happy to be out of the school. While waiting for MCE result, I went for an Agricultural Training at Agrcultural Training Centre, Sungai Pinang Serian for three months. At the centre, we learnt about the right ways to plant vegetables, Short Term cropping, Long Term Cropping, Farm Management, Home Economics, Livestock Farming and Woodworking. It was a very enjoyable life there because we mixed well with friends from all over Serian, Simunjan and Bau District. This was also the first time I went along with my Bidayuh friends. We were given an allowance of RM15.00 per month, and we were given free food and lodging. My MCE result were announced when I was still having my course in Sungai Pinang. I only obtained a Grade 3. At that time, a Grade 3 holders can apply for a temporary teacher in Pimary or Secondary Schools. Since I still liked to study in schools, I tried to appeal to Study in Form Six. I went to Education Department Head Quarters in Kuching. I personally went to see the Director (Tuan Ismail Tuan Mohamad). He Referred me to Madam Hajjah Norolah Luk, the Officer In-Charge Of Schools Section. She posted me to Simanggang Government Secondary School. I accepted the offer halve-heartedly because my targeted school was at the Junior College Dato Patinggi Haji Abdillah. There was no more vacancy there, according to the officer. I reported in Simanggang Secondary School so late. I missed so many lessons. I felt it was too far away for me to catch-up, but my teachers told me to carry on. I was appointed as a school prefect, and the Chairman Of The Islamic Students Society Of the school. My busy days started. I felt that I could not coupe with my studies. However I would not gave-up. My parents expected me to go on well with my studies. Iwas active in Malaysian red Crescent Society and I was appointed as Head Section leader. I sat for my Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the end 1979. I could not answer most of the question asked in every paper. At the end of the day, I packed all my belongings to go home. While waiting for my HSC, I was offered as a temporary teacher in Simunjan Government Secondary School. I taught Malay Language and Agricultural Science for Form One classes. I was also given the subjects Arts and Physical Education for Form Two Classes. I received my first salary (RM 450.00) at the end of January 1980. I could hardly survive with that amount. I still gave my mom a sum of RM50.00 every month. I could buy an electric fan “Toshiba” and an "Olivetti" type-writer. At that time, we were paid until December. At the end of the year, every teacher were assigned to be on duty in the school. There 5 teachers to be on duty weekly until the school reopened.
I sat for my STP. The papers were all in malay medium.
I was offered to be a temporary teacher in the same school for another year. I taught malay language for the transition classes, Agricultural Science for form 1, Physical education for form and Civics for form 2.There was an increment for my salary. I Receiced RM 480.00.
My STP result were announced in April. I obtained 1 P 3 S1F. Still lacking of 1 principal pass to get a full cert.
I applied for teachers training. I went for an interview around August. I applied for 2 days leave. I still remeber that the officer who interviewed mewas Puan Rabiah Johari, my former teacher in Tun Abang Haji Openg secondary School, and the Ex-ducation Director. She smiled at me when I entered the room. The session only tok about 10 minutes. Most of my collegues sessions took times about 30 minutes.
At the end of the year, I again sat for my STP. I changed my strategy. I dropped my Econmics subject,because to me that was a real killing subject. So I only sat for 3 principals subject and 2 subsidiary subject: General Paper dan English Usage.
I received my offer letter from Batu Lintang Teachers' College while I was sitting for my STP examination. I was offered Secondary School Course majoring in Malay Studies and History. After I received my December salary (that time, temporary teachers were paid 12 months salary from January to December), I made preparations for my teachers training. I was asked to buy a pair of maroon track suit, a pair of canvas shoes, medical check-up (X-ray costed RM23.00) plus other miscellaneous items. All in all I spent around RM 300.00 to start my training as a teacher.
I reported as a trainee teacher on january 4th, 1982. Unfortunately, there was a mistake somewhere when i filled my Agreement Form. I was asked to go back to get my sureties to endose the form.
With that I missed my orientation program for 3 days. So I missed a lot of information on what to register in cocurriculum activities. the only vacanies were Red Crescent, Audio-Visual Club and Volley Ball Club.
March that year, my beloved father passed away after a long ilness - asthma.
The lectures went on well for the whole year round.
I was appointed as one of the Orientation Committee 1983.
First term holiday, I attended a Leadership Course at Rajang Teachers' College for two weeks. It was organised Ministry Of Education (Teachers Training Division) and Peretak Youth Training Centre. 15 trainees from each of the three Teachers Colleges attended the course. It was a very interesting but tiring course. I learnt a lot from the course.
I sat for my Phase I examination. After the examination, I was posted to Siburan Secondary School for my practicum which lasted for one month. The result of the examination was announced after the mid year break. I passed. We undergone the second Phase of our training. The subject offered became tougher.
1984 was my final year in the college. I was appointed the chief editor of "Cauldron", the college magazine. That made my life in the college busier. I got to know my wife. She was a second year trainee.We got to know each other. In the end we planned to settle down after we finished our training.
Our practicum was in May and ended in July about 12 month. Every lecturer was happy with my teachng and preparation.
At the end of he year, I sat for my final year examination. My posting letter was released at the end of the year. I was posted to Bintulu Government Secondary School.
I reported to the school on 26 December 1984. I was warmly welomed by the Principal, Mr. Gerald Lee. I was asked to stay at the flat and supposed to share with two other guys, whom were my college mates.
I was assigned to teach Malay Language in Form 4 and Form 5. I was shocked because at the college, I was trained to teach the subject at junior level, that form 1 to form 3. I tried to negotiate with the principal so that I would be given the junior form classes. His response was that I was greatly needed to teach the senior form. So I tried my very best to teach such classes.
Just after 2 weeks of teaching, the School Inspectorate visited the school. They were three of them. Puan Zaharah Hj Bujang (now Datin Hajjah Zaharah, Director Of Institute Teachers' Training Tun Abdul Razak, Samarahan. and also the wife of UNIMAS Vice Chancellor). Another one was Encik Jeniri Amir (now Dr Jeniri Amir, a lecturuer in UNIMAS) and Encik Mortada Haji Alop ( now the Deputy Director Of Education Sarawak). Dsepite the shallow experience in teaching, I was deeply praised by them for performing well in the class that they observed.
I was engaged in June 1985 at Batu Pahat. I did not go for the ceremony because of financial problem. ( Thanks goes to Cikgu Sulaiman Atan from Muar for his kindness to arrange the engagement we were lost contact, where are you now?).
After 6 months of engagement, we were married on November 26 1985.
My wife was posted to Bintulu Government Secondary School. (to Mr. Gerald Lee, the Principal Of Bintulu Government Secondary School, thanks a lot for your kindness in ensuring Mdm. Khadijah could be posted to this school).
25 August 1986, my first child, Nur Amalina was born, which meaning that we have a new member in our family.
1987, everything was fine.
1988, Mr Lee transferred o St Joseph's Secondary School. Mr Nicholas Ugul came as a new Principal.
I was offered to be a part time demonstrators (penunukajar sambilan) in UPM campus Bintulu. I was asked to give lectures in Mlay Language Pre Limb and First year students. So, I earned side income.
My beloved mom passed away in August 1988. I went back to Simunjan.
I bought my first car Nissan Langely (2nd hand) at RM 17,500.00 from a collegue.
1989, everything was fine.
Prize Giving Day held for he first time. Before that, it was done briefly during he school assembly. Encik Putit Matzen was invited to officiate the events and gave away the prizes to the students who achieve excellent in both academics and cocurriculum.
That was the first time the school song sung by the students. The Principal organised a competition to compose the School Song. The winner was awarded with a Certificate, a Plague and a sum of RM100.00.Guess who was the composer of the song? Is the song still on untill today?
12 April 1990, Nur Amirah, my second daughter was born.
November 1990, I sat for my STPM examination, the first time since I completed my teacher training. The result was fine with a full certificate. General Studies (Pengajian Am) E, malay Language (Bahasa Malaysia) D, History (Sejarah ) D, Geography (geografi) subsidiary pass and Arts (Lukisan) also Subsidiary pass.
I was appointed to B10 under the Two Tier Scheme, I have just received my letter of appointment, then, the Government announced on the Sistem Saraan Baru (SSB). So I did not enjoy my B10 salary. Under SSB, there was no difference in the salary of SPM/MCE and STPM holders.
The year 1991 went on smoothly.
1992- Nur Amalina - sent to St Anthony Kinder garten afternoon session.
1993, my final year in the school. I submitted the transfer form to the principal. he told me that he also applied for a trannsfer.
Nur Amalina started her schooling in Primary One at SRB Agama Bintulu ( a religiuos-based primary school) which was temporarily situated at Bintulu Develpment Authority Training Center.
Nur Amnah - my third daughter was born - 11 September 1993.
I got my letter of transfer. I was transferred to Serian Government Secondary School, although my first choice was Santubong Secondary School. Serian Sec. School was my second choice.
I went to the Bintulu District Education Office to geta letter of transfer for my daughter, Nur Amalina to Serian Primary School. The officer En. Kamaruddin felt sorry because my daughter have to study in an ordinary primary school because there was no religious school in Serian.
I was busy packing. I was helped by my wife, who was just one week after her confinement.
I officially left Bintulu on 26 November 1993. It was such a sorrow day. A number of my collegues sent me off at Bintulu Airport. Sayonara Bintulu, at last we depart afer nine years of sweet stay (of course they were ups and downs during my 9 years in Bintulu).
I officially reported for duty in SMK Serian on 21 November 1993. Mr Zulwali, the Principal told me that I was given Malay Language and History subjects for form one and two in the afternoon.
1994, SMK Serian celebrated its 30th anniversary. A dinner was held by Parent-Teacher Association to mark the celebration.
Mr Zulwali went to persue his PhD in UK. Mr Haili Dolhan reported duty as the Principal.
I was appointed as chief house master for Limbang house in the afternoon session. The sports meet was scheduled to be held in May. This made me and my collegues busy preparing and training my athletes to represent the house. I was also assigned to be incharge of Red Crescent Unit and Students Development Program Committee. That made me more occupied.
At the end of the year, I went to see Mr Haili Dolhan to apply teaching senior form in the morning. I told him that I had no experience teaching junior form. I had been teaching Malay Language of form 4 and 5 for nine years in my former school. I have no confidence to teach junior forms. I was told to bear with that because there were no vacancy in the morning.
1995, I still taught Malay Language and History for form 1 and 2. In the 2nd term, one teacher was transfered back to Peninsular Malaysia who taught Malay Language ang Malay Literature in Form 6.
I was asked to take over the classes. I accepted the offer. It was a very challenging task. I had to read four literature books. However I mananged to do it.
january 1996, my beloved sister who stayed with me to look after my children passed away suddenly. According to the doctor in Serian Hospital, she suffered from kidney failure.
So I had to send my children to my neighbour Mr Rabuni's wife. She wasa a housewife.
I was awarded an "Excelent Service Award" or "Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang" with a salary movement as vertical or "Menegak".
1997, I bought my first PC "Austin" costing about RM5,000.00 ( now, one can get a complete set of PC for only RM2,000.00) with acces to the internet. I was the second one to have access to internet. The first one was Mr. Wong (Paul). So, used to refer to him for any problem I faced regarding the internet. he was ever ready to give render his service anytime I need help. My collegues always asked me to surf the internet to get materials for their subjects.
In September, I was offered a Distant Learning Programme with University Malaya in Academy Of Malay Studies. Our center was at the Telekom Building, Were Road, Kuching. It was an interactive lectures with a Tele-Conferencing facilities which was provided by Telekom Malaysia. Our lectures were at night from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm every Monday to Friday. The students interacted with the lacturers. However, due to the high cost of operation, the university changed the mode to recorded lectures. The university sent VTRs to each center and we only watched video. The lecturer for each course went to the center for tutorial two times before the examination.
In 1998, Puan Juita Senawi Reported as the new Principal of Serian Secondary School.I sat for my first semester Examination in UNIMAS and obtained 2.85 points. We proceed our second semester course. The center was still at Telekom Building. however the lecture was still in a recorded mode. It was still a busy year for me and my Distant Learning mate. We attended lecturers almost every weekends. The courses that we attended became tougher. We sat for our Second Semester Examination in August, at Telecom Training College. We have a week break before the Third Semester Registration. Our venue for the lecture was changed to th Dynamic Seminar at Yew Ho Building just next to the District Mosque, Kuching. The lectures was well organised since the Dynamic Seminars took over the management. We were offerd 5 courses for the semester. The lecturer for each course came for tutorial twice. The rest of the course was a recorded lecture through VTRs. The recorded lectures was very flexible. If the students could not attend the lecture, they could borrow the VTRs for them to view at home.

MY FAVOURITE SONG

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