One of our pioneer students recalls the early days (1912 onwards)..................

Interview with Mr. Vincent Vythalingam

Date : 18.12.2011  @ 9.30am

Venue : His son-in-law’s home at Jln Rajaratnam, Cng Gdn Ipoh.

The first Michaelians 1912

Mr. Vincent, 91, is one of the oldest Michaelians we know. He left school after completing Std VIII in 1929.  In April 2011, he suffered a minor stroke, which has affected his mobility and full usage of his left hand. However, he still has good memory of SMI.

He recalls how his mother, a Portuguese, played a big part in baptizing her children. Being a staunch Roman Catholic, she ensured all her five boys went to St Michael’s for their education. 

When shown some photographs of the main building, he recalled the office at the ground floor with a portion of it used as a bookshop. He also recalls the colourful windows at the chapel. Other buildings he can recall are the “kampong houses” at the back of the school and the tuck-shop building behind the mosque. 

He left during the directorship of Bro Henry. On individual personality, he asked if Mr. Tan Boon Kwee is still around. He remembers the Late Tan Boon Kwee as a very generous and kindhearted person. Besides the Director, who manages the education portfolio, he remember Mr. Tan Boon Kwee helping out with office work, running the school book shop and running various other errands in school. He never once complained.

He has met Rev Fr Coppin not only at St Michael’s Church but also at St Michael’s School during Catechism Class.

Once he left school in 1929, he has not stepped into the school ground, as he was engrossed with his career and family life. However, he has noticed the school transform from a 21 classroom building to the present building. 

He remembers the flagpole right in the middle of our field where the Japanese flag is hoisted every morning.  When asked if he has any knowledge of torture or killing at the school, he said there was no torture or killing in the school compound except for one torture of a lady at the first floor.  The killings (chopping of heads) were done at the town field and the general public were “invited” to witness it.

As he was a teacher at Ipoh Trade School during the Japanese occupation, he was made to enroll for Japanese classes. 

He also confirms that there is no tunnel at St Michael’s Inst. 

Asked if he would like to visit the school now, one may notice the happiness on his face. Almost all the boys in his family studied at St Michael’s with his youngest grandson doing his Lower Six this year..

 Interview by Harneak Singh