Thursday 5 June 2014

A  Short History of St Michael’s Institution,Ipoh (1912-1948)



Written by Mr Lip Seng Onn who used the pen name “Libanus”. This article was first published in “The Michaelian” (1948)

OUR    ALMA    MATER
Some Glimpses of the Past
by   “Libanus”
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Part I.    St.  Michael’s  -  The Old School
The fast-expanding Parish of St. Michael’s Ipoh, made it necessary in 1912 for the late Rev. Father J. B. Coppin, the Parish Priest to explore ways and means of opening a school for the Catholic children. The Christian Brothers had already established schools in several parts of the Peninsula. So the late Rev. Bro. James, Visitor of the Brothers’ Schools, was approached and persuaded to start one in Ipoh. As there were no Brothers available at the time, it was arranged that a start should be made by Father Coppin himself. Bro. James undertaking to provide a headmaster and a number of assistant teachers from St. Xavier’s Institution, Penang.
Permission for the opening of the School was granted to Father Coppin by the Perak Government on the understanding that the Brothers would take over the management as soon as possible. On the 4th of December, 1912, St. Michael’s School, named after the Parish, opened its doors with Mr. P. J. Mor Singh as the Headmaster. He had 39 boys and two assistant masters. The school housed in an old Malay bungalow situated in the midst of a coconut grove, right in front of the present main building. A pencil drawing, done by a 1948 Std. VIII boy, reproduced herewith, will recall memories of the old school to those who have had anything to do with it. By 3rd March, the following year, the enrolment had reached 100. A living relic of the by-gone memorable day may be seen in the school today in the person of Mr. Lip Seng Onn, now a member of the teaching staff. His admission number was 99. Mr. Tan Boon Kwee, also of the present staff, was admitted in August the same year. Records were lost that would give the exact date when the enrolment reached 200. The 300 mark was crossed on March 4, 1919.
It will be seen that steady progress was maintained from the start. All this is attributable to the energetic and hard-working Headmaster, the resourceful and courageous Founder and Manager, and the moral, material and other assistance given by the late Rev. Bro. James, Visitor of the Christian Brothers’ Schools.
ST. MICHAEL’S FIRST HEADMASTER.
            Mr. P. J. Mor Singh was a young man who had just passed out as a Grade 1 teacher. He was recommended for the important post of headmaster by the Rev. Bro. James, who had known him well not only as a teacher but as a student and zealous convert to Christianity. His task was not an easy one. He had to face competition with two fully organized English schools already in existence, conducted by European Headmasters; but guided and inspired by the late Father Coppin, the Manager , and sustained by his many personal qualities, he, in a few years, brought the school from the very humble beginning to a position worthy of older institutions. In the words of the Rev. Bro. James himself at the time when the School was handed over to the Christian Brothers, “he maintained the School in a high state of efficiency all these years.” The late Rev. Father Coppin, in his report of 1919, recorded: “By his painstaking and self-denying efforts he has maintained St. Michael’s in a most satisfactory state of efficiency and won himself the highest esteem and confidence of the management, the pupils, the parents and the public generally.” The late Mr. H. L. Sumner, then Inspector of Schools, Perak, writing on 7.5.1919, said: “The staff is a weak one. The fact that the general work progress are on the whole satisfactory appears to me to be a tribute to the zeal an energy of the Headmaster himself.” But the highest tribute to his work is paid by his old pupils themselves who have remembered and esteemed him to this day.
HIS DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS
            Mr. Mor Singh’s problems were mainly in regard to accommodation and staffing. The former was solved by the erection of makeshift buildings. In 1915, a large ‘attp-shed’, seen in the centre of the picture of the Old School, was converted into classrooms. The floor was unpaved, the drains unlaid, and the roof not proof against sun and rain. The condition in bad weather can best be imagined. The plank partitions were not noise-proof, and one class was often disturbed by the noise from another. On more than one occasion tragedy was narrowly avoided when a coconut, falling down from an over-towering palm, missed a boy by inches. In 1918, another temporary building was put up, mainly with old materials, just behind the Mosque (partly visible in the picture already referred to) to accommodate five classes. With plank walls and slate roofing, the place was unbearably warm in the afternoon.
            The Headmaster’s chief difficulty lay with the staff. Salary scales were low and therefore did not attract the right type of men. Most of his teachers tool up the profession either as an experiment or as an expedient. Many left after a few months and not a few after only a few days of employment. “The School is in good order but the staff is a weak one” seems to be the regular tenor of the reports of visiting officials at that time. He had among his assistants, men who had not passed even the local Std. VII and immigrants from India – Indian Matric Students, failed “Yem-Yehs and failed Be-Yehs”. It was not unusual for a class to have half a dozen changes of teachers in a year. As time went on, however, teachers of a better type were recruited. But the better prospects, offered by Government Schools, sooner or later attracted these men away. The 1918 Report, submitted by the Manager to the Director of Education, had this to say: “It is much to be regretted that our meager resources are utterly insufficient to warrant adequate remuneration for their devoted services and retain them in our school.” Among the five candidates sitting for the Senior Normal Examination in 1918 that received special commendation from the Director of Education, three belonged to St. Michael’s School, but before the end of 1919, all had resigned. It may be noted in passing that there are at the present time 4 or 5 Asian Headmasters or Principals of Schools in the country who had once been employed on the staff of St. Michael’s.
AN ENVIABLE RECORD OF SUCCESS
                As to the boys, the Headmaster did not get, at the beginning, the most promising as regards age, character and ability. For the Primary, even pupils who had reached manhood were accepted – the general average age was well over 10 years. Boys not accepted by or expelled from other schools were given a chance in St. Michael’s. But the strict discipline and keen vigilance of the Head and the industrious spirit of the class-room soon had a beneficial effect and the change in almost all cased was remarkable. Up to 1918, there were Government public examinations held for boys in Std. IV, Std. VI and Std. VII. In those days a Std. VII Government Certificate conferred as much distinction as a Cambridge School Certificate today on a boy seeking for a job in the world. The competition among the different schools was very keen. But it must be stated to the credit of St. Michael’s and to its Headmaster in particular that St. Michael’s boys invariably came out with flying colors in those public examinations. The 1916 Std. IV class did so well –a according to private official sources it was among the very best in the Peninsula –a  that 12 boys of the class of about 30 were given double promotion to Std. VI. Of  these several are prominent citizens today. For the Std. VII, 100% success was scored for three consecutive years – 1917, 1918 and 1919 – an enviable record. Visiting the School on April 2, 1919, Mr. R. G. Watson, British Resident of Perak, noted in his report, “Everything very satisfactory. The Examination successes are very gratifying.”
A ZEALOUS MANAGER AND A FAIRY-GODMOTHER PATRON
            If the Headmaster had done much to make the School a success, the Reverend Manager had done no less. Father Coppin, pastor in charge of St. Michael’s Parish, was distressed to find many young men, sons of farmer families in his parish, turning out to be citizens of no importance. Not a few fell away from their faith. It was his ardent desire that the Christian Brothers should open a school in the fast developing town, and as, both to his regret and that of the Reverend Brother, this could be done, he gallantly stepped into the breach. He knew his slender resources, his lack of experience in managing a school, and his poor chances of bringing his school up to the level of two other existing and fully organized schools in the town. But the need was urgent. He took the decisive step and was well rewarded. Once the school was started, he threw into it all his energy and resources. In spite of his many duties, he was there almost every day and taught the boys Christian Doctrine. He strained almost to bursting the meager resources of his Parish in order to enable the fast expanding school to grow from strength to strength. At the end of 1919, eight months before the School was taken over by the Christian Brothers, the financial accounts disclosed a deficit of $13,000.
            Father Coppin was, however extremely fortunate in having the sympathy and hearty co-operation of the Head of the Christian Brothers in the country, the Rev. Bro. James, who poured into the venture the resourcefulness of the Brothers and the benefit of his long and singular educational experience. Ever since the school was started, Bro. James had regarded it as his own. Besides giving it a very capable Headmaster and devoted teachers as many as he could spare and as were willing to take up the hard pioneering life at St. Michael’s, Bro. James, by his active interest and frequent an regular visits, infused into the new school that spirit of hard work and devotion to duty that characterizes all Brothers’ Schools. To ensure the security of the young school’s tenure of its premises until such time as the Brothers could take over the management, he had them acquired in the name of Christian Brothers. Thus the young St. Michael’s School was nurtured – by a hardworking Headmaster, a zealous Manager and a fairy-godmother Patron.
SCHOOL LIFE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS.
                An account like this would be incomplete without some glimpse into the life of boys at St. Michael’s in those good old days. School started at 9 in the morning every day and closed at 3.30 in the evening, with a break of an hour for lunch between noon and one o’clock and an interval of 15 minutes for refreshment in the morning sessions. All Chinese Catholic boys had to stay back every day from 4 to 5pm. for religious instruction. While the holidays were the same as for other schools, St. Michael’s boys in Std. IV, VI and VII, that is, those who had to appear for the Government public examinations, had to come to school for half a day every Saturday. Saturday school had also to be held to make up the 200 school days in the year required under the old regulations. As there were no English schools yet in the smaller towns, there was a great ingress of boys from the outstations to the Ipoh schools. St. Michael’s had a large number of “train” boys – so called because they came by railway train.
            Discipline was strict – every Monday was “black” because the boys had to face a stern Headmaster who went round to inspect the weekly reports. The teachers were mostly inexperienced and this added to the frequency of corporal punishment. Games and sports were not so well organized as today for lack of playing fields and costly sports materials, but a period of 30 minutes was allotted daily in all classes for physical training. Football was about the only team-game regularly played, but Croquet, an old-fashioned French game, and badminton, played with a woolen ball instead of feather shuttles, were occasionally indulged in, by the bigger boys. Hockey was started early in 1919 - the first game was played on 25.2.1919. The football team in 1919 was a good one; besides holding its own against the Tamil Union, the Oriental cinema Team and others, it beat the St. George’s in a memorable game on 15.7.1919 by 5-1, but lost to the formidable St. Xavier’s team on 26.8.1919 by a narrow margin of 2-1. Childish games as marbles and tops were most popular and played, according to seasons, even by the bigger boys.
            With the daily session continuing to 3.30pm, a half-holiday in those days was a real delight. Half-holiday were given on certain feasts and in honour of visits by distinguished persons and success of teachers in the Normal Examinations and those of boys in the public examinations: they were also earned by individual classes with outstanding results in the Terminal Examinations, 100% attendance in any one month and settlement of all school fees before the 10th of each month: and lastly, if it rained at noon, the boys were let off for the day at 1pm. Founder’s Day – June 24 – was always looked forward to with eagerness, for on this day a concert would  be held in honour of the Reverend Manager. Father Coppin was a stern-looking man, but his sweets made Founder’s Day worth waiting for.
            As regards dress, the teachers in those days came to school fully clad in coat, trousers, hat and shoes or boots. Straw hats and boots were as common as they are non-existent today. More stylish teachers donned open coat and tie – this an exception rather that the rule. The boys were dressed alike – all buttons must be in place, otherwise the teachers would consider it a breach of good manners. Some Malay and Indian boys wore sarongs. Most of the boys walked to school and were bare-footed. The only motor-car seen in school was that of the Manager – a very noisy affair: The Headmaster had a motorcycle with side-ear. In 1919 he started using a two-seater motor-car. Bicycles were fairly common, but until 1920 there were never more than 40 or 50 machines in the whole school.
            To end up, this period of the School’s existence was memorable for two historic events – the First World War and the World Influenza Epidemic of 1918. The World War broke out in August 4, 1914 when the boys were having their Mid-summer Holidays, School work was little affected. Other than subscribing to the War Fund, seeing War Pictures and hearing occasionally sensational war news, the boys did not feel that a war was shaking the Empire of its very foundation. The Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, and on the following day the boys of St. Michael’s with those of the other two English schools paraded round the town. There were great rejoicing on Peace Day in June, 1919: inter-school sports, night processions, cash gifts and commemoration medals made the day memorable to all. France’s Day was celebrated on 14th July, 1919.
            In October, 1918, the great Influenza epidemic that had been ravaging many parts of the world struck Malaya with ravaging telling effect. School was first closed at noon on 4th October owing to the poor attendance and remained closed until November 11. Fortunately, there were no fatal cased and among the pupils or the staff, but work was seriously affected.
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Part II.      The New Ship  -  St.  Michael’s
With the Christian Brothers at the Helm
            The undertaking given by the Rev. Bro. James at the inception of St. Michael’s School towards the end of 1912 that the Brothers would take over the entire management of the School could not be fulfilled until August, 1920 – much later than expected. Even at that date, the Brothers in the country were shorthanded, as owing to the war, very few Brothers could be sent out from Europe to reinforce the community in Malaya. It became necessary, however, for the Headmaster, Mr. I. J. Mor Singh, who was not in the best of health, to relinquish his strenuous office, and, as it was well-nigh impossible for the Rev. J. B. Coppin to carry on the School without him, he made a pathetic appeal to the Rev. Brothers to come to the rescue. The appeal was discussed by the District Council meeting in Penang on June, 1920. The Rev. Bro. James rose to the occasion. Supported by the advice of his Council, and trusting in Providence, he took the decisive step of adding St. Michael’s to his charge.
THE FIRST BROTHERS IN IPOH
            On July 12, 1920, the Rev. Bro. James paid a visit to Ipoh and arranged with the Rev. Father Coppin to take over his school immediately after the school holidays. The first batch of Brothers, consisting of the Rev. Brother Flannan Paul, Director, who afterwards become Visitor, Bro. Hermenegild John and Bro Finian Loran, until recently Director of St. Xavier’s Branch School, Penang, took charge from August 16. The change-over is commemorated by a group-photo of the new and old management with the staff, reproduced herewith. The enrolment at the time was 377, and the highest standard the Cambridge Junior Local, equivalent to Std. VIII today.
            That the Brothers found St. Michael’s in a flourishing condition was testified by the Rev. Bro. James when at the Laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Building, he paid an eloquent tribute to the work done by the Rev. Fr. Coppin, Founder and Manager of the School, and referred in the following terms to the work of Mr. P. J. Mor Singh, the first ‘Headmaster’: “It is mainly due to his unflagging zeal, untiring effort and undaunted courage, and above all, to his unblemished character that the School all along maintained a reputation for success, efficiency and high tone, and it was a great pleasure for the Brothers to find such a good spirit prevailing in the School at the time they took it over.”
THE NEW BUILDING
            The Rev. Bro. Paul remained only one school term at St. Michael’s, as his time for furlough was due. He succeeded in January 1921, by the Rev. Bro. Vernier Augustus, then Director of St. Francis’ Institution, Malacca. Under Bro. Augustus, St. Michael’s was to witness rapid expansion. The unsatisfactory condition and inadequacy of the existing building made it necessary for immediate steps to be taken to erect a permanent building. On August 12, 1921, plans of the new building were submitted to the Kinta Sanitary Board (now called the Ipoh Town Board) for approval. There was considerable delay in the early stages of the construction, mainly due to the death of the architect and contractor. Fresh plans had to be prepared by another architect and the work was re-started on May 8, 1922.
THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION
            The foundation stone of the new building was laid by the Honorable Major C. W. C. Parr, British Resident, Perak, and blessed by His Grace Mgr. Mere,, Archbishop of Craina, late Vicar Apostolic of Canton, China, in the presence of a large gathering including the Rev. Bro. James, Father Coppin, Mr. Mor Singh, the clergy of several parishes, the Inspector of Schools, Perak, and the Heads of all the Ipoh Schools besides a number of distinguished citizens.
            The Honorable Major Parr, in declaring the Foundation well and truly laid, paid a high tribute to “the great and good work the Christian Brothers have done and are doing in the cause of education” and added that the State was indebted to them. Speaking of the Rev. Fr. Coppin, he said that it must be the greatest satisfaction to him to see the small seed he had sown blossom forth into the magnificent building that was going up. In wishing all success to the school, he expressed his confidence that in its new home, St. Michael’s would have a much better chance of enhancing its excellent reputation and the reputation of its teachers.
            The new building was not wholly completed until July 7, 1923. But before that, on February 5, six classes moved in, followed by another six on April 16.
            Commenting on the new building, Mr. R. O. Winstedt, then Director of  Education, wrote on 9.7.25, “This is a most excellent building for a school, handsome in design and with well-lit and well proportioned class-rooms.”
THE REV.  BRO. AUGUSTUS
                Besides his duties as Director and the lessons he had to give in the Cambridge classes, the Rev. Bro. Augustus did yeoman service in the planning and supervision of the construction of the New Building of which he was justifiably proud. Bro. Augustus is remembered for his love of teaching Mathematics and Languages, and for his all-prevailing discipline. The following incident will be recalled by many Old Michaelians:
            There was a large mango-tree in the school compound, standing by the side of the drive. It bore an enormous crop and the fruit in time began to drop one by one in quick succession. The temptation to pick up a ripe, succulent fruit is understandable enough, but to let the boys scramble for a fruit as soon as it fell could not be considered conducive to good discipline. A sign was put up: “Hands off !  Bro. Augustus.” Mangoes were strewn on the ground all round the tree, and by the score on the road, and not one was taken away. Not wishing to see the fruit smashed by passing cars, some small boys picked them up and rolled them aside. They touched the forbidden fruit, but sinned not !
A MOST POPULAR DIRECTOR
                On January 10, 1925, the Rev. Bro. Augustus left Ipoh for Mandalay to take over the Directorship of St. Peter’s High School. He was succeeded by the Rev. Bro. Sigolin Henry, now Sub-Director of St. Xavier’s. While the Rev. Bro. Augustus commanded high respect, the new Director was loved and esteemed by all. He may be regarded as one of the most popular Directors St. Michael’s has even had. His relations with parents and the public were most cordial and under him the School enjoyed wide popularity. Unfortunately, the policy of the Government (as declared by Mr. Wolff, Director of Education, in the course of his visit on July 28, 1921) was “to take a large share of the work on education and open more new schools and not to sanction (except under certain conditions) any increase in the staff or furniture of a Mission school.”
            The Rev. Bro. Henry was responsible for introducing many innovations in St. Michael’s. The following may be cited as due to his initiative and enterprise: (1) The Inauguration of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin; (2) the formation of the first troop of the Boy Scouts and the Cadet Corps; (3) the initiation of the Annual Athletic Sports in 1926; (4) the acquisition of more grounds adjoining the School, and (5) the erection of the Play-shed behind the Mosque which stands to this day.
            The most memorable events during Bro. Henry’s Directorate include, besides the holding of the First Annual Sports on October 2, 1926, mentioned above, the celebration of the late Father Coppin’s Silver Jubilee on April 5, 1926, the Beatification of Blessed Solomon on October 17, 1927, and the visit of Sir Hugh Clifford, Governor and High Commissioner, on August 13, 1927 on the occasion of the Second Annual Sports. Bro. Henry had the pleasure of seeing three of his pupils enter the Seminary in Singapore to study for the priesthood. They are today Rev. Fr. Andrew Francis, Fr. Peter Chin and Fr. P. S. Clement. One of his pupils became a Brother. He is Bro. Basil of Seremban.
            Bro. Henry was Director from Jan 1925 to Aug 31, 1929, except for a short break, between Feb. and July 1926, when the late Bro. Joseph acted for him. Bro. Joseph was an exceedingly kind man and an excellent teacher,. His term of office, unfortunately, was too short to make his influence felt in St. Michael’s.
            During this period, on January 27, 1926, the Rev. Bro. James retired from the Visitorship owing to failing health and was succeeded by the Rev. Bro. Paul, then Director of St. Xavier’s. Happily three years later, Bro. James regained sufficient strength to resume the Visitorship with Bro. Paul as his Auxiliary. On July 26, the Rev. Fr. Coppin passed away peacefully in Batu Gajah Hospital. He had been in failing health for some time, but in spite of his ill-health he would not relieve himself of his parish duties nor excuse himself from the Catechism lessons he had taken upon himself to teach to the boys of his Parish who were in school. It was pathetic to see him climbing the stairs, panting and almost breathless. “Steadfast in duty unto the last “could be a fitting epitaph for the man grown old with work. Requiescat in pace.
THE “OLD BOYS” DIRECTOR 
            The Rev. Bro. Henry was succeeded by his assistant the Rev. Bro. Dositheus in September 1929. Bro. Dositheus and joined St. Michael’s on January 23, 1928, and his choice as Bro. Henry’s successor was no surprise. Bro. Dos, as he was affectionately known, was a great believer in the dignity and self-respect of boys and was exceedingly kind to them. A teacher who could not treat his charges kindly was to his estimation not a good teacher. He gave great encouragement to games and sports and music. In his time St. Michael’s fielded strong teams in Hockey, Badminton and Cricket. He was mainly responsible for the formation of an orchestra of present and past pupils which for several years held musical evenings in the O. M. A. Hall every Saturday. His directorate is memorable for three events: (1) Mr. Lam Tsui Long, a boy of the Cambridge Certificate Class, was awarded a certificate of Honourable Mention by the Royal Empire Society for an essay in an Empire-wide competition on “How climate affects the mode of living in your country”; (2) The late Towkay Chin Sem Lin founded with an endowment of $3,000. three annual scholarships to be awarded to the best boy and the most deserving boy in Std. VII and the first boy in the Junior Class; and (3) the Old Michaelians’ Association was inaugurated on March 3, 1934. (For more details of the O. M. A. please see ‘Old Boys’ Section.”)
            The Rev. Bro. Dositheus was most popular with the Old Boys and the prosperous condition of the O. M. A. with him as the President was chiefly due to his keen interest and encouragement. In 1934 was initiated the Old Michaelians – Old Georgians Annual Meet when the Old Boys of Taiping were invited to Ipoh for a series of friendly matches. The compliment was repaid next year by the Old Georgians when a party of Old Michaelians led by Bro. Dositheus travelled up to engage the Taiping Old Boys. A pleasant feature of these meetings was the lavish manner in which the guests were entertained.
            When “Bro. Dos” left Ipoh on transfer to Taiping as the Director of St. George’s on January 21, 1936, he was keenly missed by his present and former pupils – the latter entertained him to a farewell dinner in the O. M. A. premises, at which the late Col. Cecil Rae on behalf of Ipoh citizens paid a high tribute to his work at St. Michael’s.
BRO. FINAN’S UNPLEASANT TASK
            The Rev. Bro. Finan-Owen, Director of St. Xavier’s Branch School, Penang, was appointed as Director of St. Michael’s in place of Bro. Dositheus. To him was given the unpleasant task of disbanding two supernumerary classes formed by the previous Director to absorb boys who could not be accommodated in the official classes. Among thise so disbanded were boys from well-known families which held the tradition that all their sons had been educated in Brothers’ Schools. Serious misunderstanding was caused and it took considerable time to convince parents concerned that the action of the Director was taken compliance with the official order which was not rescinded in spite of strong representations. The Rev. Bro. Finan’s term of office was marked by steady progress, excellent discipline in all classes and greater attention being given to hand-working and debating. On January 21, 1936, the late King George V died and his demise was widely mourned. Rev. Father Peter Chin and Rev. Father P. S. Clement, two Old Michaelians, received sacerdotal ordination at Penang on December 3, 1936, and on their first visit two days later to their home town were given a reception by the pupils and old boys in the O. M. A. Hall. The Coronation of the new king and Queen, their Majesties king George VI and Queen Elizabeth, on 12.5.37 was fittingly celebrated at St. Michael’s – the school building, beautifully illuminated, was admired by all. On April 5, 1939, Sir Julien Cahn’s famous Cricket Team in the course of a world tour played against a Perak Team. It was Monday, but our Cambridge boys were given a chance to witness the Cricket giants at play.
A FAMOUS DIRECTOR
            The Rev. Bro. Finan left Ipoh on January 21, 1938, on long leave to Ireland and his place was taken by the late Rev. Bro. Marcian, a senior Brother of great repute. He and Mr. H. R. Cheeseman, at present, Director of Education, conducted the first Normal Classes in Penang in the early years of the present century. The Rev. Bro. Marcian spent five short months in Dt. Michael’s, but the influence he wielded over the boys and the staff was incalculable and it may be said that his directorate opened up a new chapter in the history of the development of St. Michael’s. His first task was to instill in the boys a new religious fervour and greater  application to their scholastic duties. Stern of mien but most affable in manner, he wielded strict discipline in the school, but at the same time held the respect and affection of pupils and staff to an unusual degree.At his invitation the boys would flock to the school even at an early hour, no matter what occasion might be,. When he was ill, he was visited by countless callers, young and old; and when he left Ipoh on June 30, 1938, under medical advice to seek change and rest, his departure was regretted by all who knew him. His death a few months later, on September 2, cast a gloom over his old boys and friends who felt as if they had sustained a personal loss.
            The subject of the expansion of the school took up much of his time. He had received an urgent appeal from Mr. Ho Kok Yew, representing the Old Michaelians’ Association and another from parents and others, headed by the late Honorable Mr. Leong Sin Nam, requesting the Brothers to provide accommodation for more pupils. His representations to the Senior Inspector of  Schools, Perak, however, achieved no result. But it must be noted that they paved the way for the sanction that was eventually granted to turn St. Michael’s into a two-class school by the addition of one more class each year.
A MAMMOTH GATHERING OF OLD BOYS
            Bro. Marcian’s directorate was made memorable by the mammoth gathering on March 11, 1938 of Old Boys of Brothers’ Schools resident in Perak, when the double Jubliee of the late Rev. Bro. James, O.B.E., Visitor of the Christian Brothers’ Schools in the Far East was celebrated in Ipoh. The British Resident, the Honorable Mr. Cator, Mrs. Cator and many leading citizens of Ipoh were present.
            When the Rev. Bro. Marcian became ill, Rev. Bro. Patrick of St. Xavier’s was sent to relieve him. When he left Ipoh, Bro. Patrick’s appointment was confirmed. Bro. Patrick afterwards held the distinction of being the Director with the longest term of office (June 1938-March, 1948). Hid directorate, which we shall call the Patrician Period, is remembered not only for those anxious days and unsettled conditions preceding the outbreak of war in the East and the sensational events of the war itself, but also for the phenomenal expansion of the school both in accommodation and enrolment, the introduction of science teaching, and the consolidation of existing activities of the school. The tributes that were paid to him by Old Boys, parents and friends at the time of his departure were sincere and well merited. Seldom has a Principal of a School received such a rousing farewell as Bro. Patrick. (Please see a detailed account, given elsewhere in this issue of the farewell party in his honor).
Part III.      St. Michael’s in the Patrician Period
Large Extension to School Building
            The pre-war Government policy, already mentioned, of limiting the enrolment and staff of Mission Schools to existing proportions and permitting them no freedom to expand, above all other factors, hindered the natural development of St. Michael’s. Caught in the wave of countrywide retrenchment, St. Michael’s was reduced to a one –class school in 1934. In 1938, in response to the Education Department with a view to bringing St. Michael’s in line with the other two English Schools in Ipoh. The matter had to be taken up again by the new Director, Bro. Patrick. So persistently did he pursue it that the Advisor on Education himself was obliged to make a decision. In a visit to the school on March 31, 1939, Dr. W. Linchan found St. Michael’s to be essentially a two-class school being favorably situated, as far as taping sources of recruitment is concerned.” Thus was brought to a successful conclusion the matter that meant so much for the future of the School, and Michaelians have ever been grateful to the two Directors who had pressed their case so strongly.
            The Rev. Bro. Patrick lost no time in effecting an extension to the existing school building. An appeal was made to parents, Old Boys and other friends for contributions to defray part of the cost of the proposed extensions. The enthusiastic response received speaks highly not only of the characteristic generosity of the citizens of Ipoh and district but also of their high regard for the education imparted by the Christian Brothers in general and the esteem in which the Rev. Bro. Patrick personally was held outside the walls of his school in particular. In a short time nearly $50,000 was subscribed. The extension, begun in 1930 was completed, was completed early in 1941, of the same structure and design as the old building and at a cost of over $85,000. It provided accommodation for a spacious assembly hall, a large science room, a library, scouts and sports room, a chapel and additional class-rooms. Visitors, including His Excellency the late Bishop Devals and Mr. T. A. O’Sullivan, Senior Inspector of Schools Perak, expressed great satisfaction with the extension and its appointments.
            The extension was completed just in time to avoid the crippling conditions imposed by the war and to provide accommodation not only for a greatly enhanced enrolment after the war but also for the boys of Anderson School when its buildings were requisitioned for military occupation in 1941, In thanking the benefactors after the war., Rev. Bro. Patrick said: “Without your timely aid, I should have found myself in a very embarrassing position in September, 1945, to find accommodation for the numerous children who came knocking for accommodation. But for you, gentlemen, it would have been impossible.”
FIRST S. M. I. ART & CRAFT EXHIBITION
            In spite of the building operations, which required his constant attention, and the generally unsettled conditions occasioned by the war, the Rev. Bro. Patrick was able to do much for the School. To him was due to credit of introducing Science Teaching in the school and equipping a first-rate laboratory for the purpose. Mr. Bomford of the Penang Free School, specially sent by the Education Department in June, 1911, to enquire into the school, presented a very favorable report on the laboratory and the facilities provided.
            Art and Craft to which special importance is attached be present-day educationalists, received every encouragement. The posters submitted by our boys at the Ipoh and District Art Exhibition held on February 1, 1941, were highly commended. In November of the same year, the School held its own Art and Craft Exhibition for the first time. Among the various classes of craft represented were pottery, metal work, basketry, carpentry and bookbinding. Beautiful woodcuts were also exhibited. The Straits Echo, reporting the Exhibition fully I its columns, commented: “It was a very creditable effort, comparing favorably with similar displays in other schools and the exhibits, ranging from ordinary class work in art and craft to more elaborate homemade specimens, testified to a high standard attained by the boys of this popular institution.”
ST. MICHAEL’S BRANCH SCHOOL
            To the Rev. Bro. Patrick was also the credit of establishing regular classes for the teaching of the Chinese Language early in 1939. The Literary and Debating Society too received his constant attention. Scarcely was there a debate, which was not attended by him. Dramatization was encouraged and concerts were held twice or thrice a year. A Thrift Society was formed and almost every boy in the school became a subscribing member. At the end of two years’ working the members had saved up about $2,500. To relieve the congestion at St. Michael’s a branch school was opened with Mrs. Woodford as Supervisor. The enrolment of the branch school at the end of 1941 was about 200. In Oct. 1941, School Broadcasts were introduced by the B.M.B. C.
            The boys were given every facility for sports, including swimming. St. Michael’s teams fully held their own against powerful opponents. The Scouts won the much-coveted Rotary Shield for Ambulance Work on October 29, 1938.
VISITOR OF APOSTOLIC DELEGATE
            For this period of the school’s existence the following events may be recorded: On October 18, 1940, the Very Rev. Junien Victor, Superior General, passed away in Rome. His death was widely mourned. The Assistant Superior for this Province, the Rev. Bro. Phillip, visited St. Michael’s on May 4, 1940. His Excellency, the Right Rev. Leo. ‘P’. Kiokels, C.P., Archbishop of Salaminta. Delegate Apostolic of the East Indies accompanied by His Excellency Mgr. A. Devals, paid a visit to St. Michael’s on September 13, 1938, and was received by the Rev. Bro. Patrick and a guard of honor formed by the school Scouts. Mr. Leong Sin Nam, a generous benefactor of the school, passed away on January 17, 1939 and his funeral, which took place on January 31, was attended by severalthousand people.
            On June 4, 1949, Mr. Chee Weng Sim, an Old Michaelian, who after a course of studies in Nanking University passed through Ipoh on his way to America for further studies, was entertained to tea by the present and old boys of the school. In an eloquent and well-prepared address, lasting almost an hour, he gave those present an insight into the struggle in which China was engaged against the Japanese aggressors.
            The School joined in observing the Day of Universal Player for Peace ob September 8, 1940, at the invitation of H. M., the King and President Roosevelt of the U. S. A.
            In accordance with the time-honored practice St. Michael’s kept up the two-session school day, but from November 11, 1941, it came into line with other schools and closed at 12.30 pm. for the day. The Rev. Brothers, whose official habit is black, started putting on white robes.

ST. MICHAEL’S AND THE  WAR
                        The Second World War which broke out in Europe on September 3, 1939, left St. Michael’s more or less unaffected for nearly a year, but on August 9, 1949, the Director received a Proclamation by the British Resident of Perak, that St. Michael’s building was requisitioned for occupation of troops from September 1. This was rather ominous, but providentially, it escaped military occupation until war had broken out in Malaya, and up to December 18, 1941. the school had been able to carry on without serious interference. Even during the war, the damage to the buildings sustained was comparatively slight. Except for the roof which was badly damaged by Japanese machine-gunning but was afterwards put right by the Japs – themselves, the school buildings had suffered no structural damage. The furniture and equipment, however, almost completely destroyed.
            Going back to the early days. The requisition of St. Michael’s, dated August 9, 1910, was rescinded three weeks later, on September 5, orders were received from Military II, Q.. Singapore, that immediate preparation was to be made at St. Michael’s for occupation by troops. Almost immediately Bro. Patrick received news from unofficial source that troops were expected before another month. There the matter stood till January 20, 1941, when another notice was received from the British Resident that St. Michael’s would be occupied from February 1. Officers visiting the school on January 21, decided that only the new extension and the out-houses were to be occupied, the school proper to be left untouched. Nothing further was heard of until April 12 when a party of Military men called to say that they were definitely taking over the premises requisitioned on April 20. But after that St. Michael’s was left in peace. These details are given as they reveal the state of suspense the School was in during those anxious days. From February 8, 1941, however the playing field had been commandeered for the use of volunteers for their training.
            In another respect, the School entered wholeheartedly into the various branches of the war effort. All the lay staff had joined the Passive Defense, as A.R.P., L.D.C. or M.A.S. personnel, except one who was embodied in the local Volunteer Force. On January 21, 1940, a batch of 50 boys took up Ambulance Training, followed by another batch of 80 strong on February 20, 1941. Boy Scouts who had not joined Ambulance Units served as A.R.P. messenger   or Firewatchers.
            When war broke out on December 8, 1941, Michaelians were not found wanting in service to the Empire cause. Mr. E. E. Fitzpatrick, who was a volunteer, gave up his life for the defence of Singapore. Our youthful first-aiders gave a good account of themselves when Ipoh was bombed for the first time by the enemy on December 15. Their gallantry and devotion to duty were exemplary. At the evacuation of Ipoh by British troops, the local Ambulance Units were given the option either to disband themselves or follow the troops retreating south. A party of our first-aiders, headed by Mr. Lim Kean Hooi, a member of the school staff, made the more gallant but hazardous choice and followed the troops to Singapore. At the latter place the S.M.I first-aiders attracted much attention – His Excellency the Governor and the press were not slow in expressing their admiration of their gallant conduct. The School has reason to be proud of their record of war service.
            Michaelians, on the whole, acted honorably during the enemy occupation and were not wanting in self-respect and loyalty to the Empire. How many rallied round their teachers and their fellow-Michaelians in need was truly heartening during an otherwise dismal period. Michaelians were tested and found true to and worthy of their Alma Mater.

EVENTS OF THE WAR
            The reader must look elsewhere for a full account of the events of the war in Malaya. Only what concerned St. Michael’s is recorded here. St. Michael’s was occupied by the British troops on December 18 in the course of their catastrophic retreat in the face of the enemy advance, but they evacuated it on the 23rd in good time to avoid the terrific bombing of the Japanese who severely machine-gunned our school. The Brothers who had so far never left the school premises afterwards evacuated to the Rev. Father Francois’ house. On December 28, 1941, the ‘Japs’ entered Ipoh and took possession of St. Michael’s school. Characteristic of their conduct during the whole campaign, the soldiery used the school furniture as fuel for their cooking and made bonfires of the school books, maps and other printed matter.
            The ‘Jap’ soldiers were evacuated from St. Michael’s in March, 1942, and the magnificent building until surrender, the seat of the Japanese civil administration of Perak. The statues installed in the niches in the two main gables of the school were brought down, the two granite crosses, surmounting the gables, were removed, but the one atop the back roof the chapel remained, affording, as an Old Michaelian remarked at a post-war dinner, unfailing hope and encouragement to Michaelians whenever they looked at their school under enemy occupation. The chapel was converted into the Perak State Council Chamber.
THE MEMORABLR RE-OPENING
            After the war, St. Michael’s had to start from  scratch. Thanks to the hard-working and energetic Bro. Edmond of Mary, the School was able to re-open on September 24, 1945. As the Rev. Bro. Patrick was unable to come back to take charge until the beginning of October 1945. Bro. Edmond had to work hard improvising furniture and equipment. He was greatly indebted to the Rev. Father Francois and the Rev. Mother Superior of the Convent for providing accommodation for his boys. At first only Primary boys were accepted and were housed in the Convent. A few days later, boys for all the standards were taken in and accommodated in the ‘Sam Tet’ School. With the exception of three absentees – the late Mr. E. E. Fitzpatrick, who was killed in the war, the Rev. Bro. Edmund of Salisbury who had been sent Home after internment and the Rev. Bro. Gordian who had been transferred to Malacca during the war, all the pre-war staff rejoined St. Michael’s. To this were added ten teachers, mostly Old Boys of the School. On October 15, Bro. Edmond of Mary was transferred back to St. John’s, Kuala Lumpur, from where he had come to St. Michael’s on February 1, 1934. During the eleven years he had been in St. Michael’s, he was in charge of the School Certificate class and he was responsible for the literary and debating activities of the School and the preparation of the Catholic children for the reception of the Sacraments. He was well liked by his old boys. On October22, the staff was strengthened by the appointment of Brother T. Michael and Bro. John-Matthew, both from Penang
POST-WAR BOYS
            Among the boys that came back to school were many who during the enemy occupation had tasted an independent life, being employed in various capacities or in petty trading. It was feared that such boys, exposed to evil influences, might have grown up sophisticated and corrupt, but this fear proved to be generally groundless. True, certain boys had fallen into evil ways but they were exceptions rather than the rule. Our old boys, on the whole, blessed with good home influence and having been grounded in strict morals at school, came back to us with character enriched by the hard experience of the war and with intelligence matured by age. The Seniors of 1946 are a case in point. Their teachers had nothing but praise for their general behaviour, conduct and application. As Old Boys, they maintain today the most cordial relations with their school and teachers.
VIISIT OF BRIGADIER TAPP
            The most notable event in the School in those early days was the official visit of Brigadier Tapp, Military Commander in charge of the Ipoh-Bidor Area under the British Military Administration, on October 29. The occasion provided an outlet for the unbounded joy that lay pent-up in the hearts of all at the return of the British Administration. The Brigadier himself was visibly moved at the warm reception accorded to him, at which some old favourite songs, heard after so many years, touched the very chords of the heart, and an illuminated address, presented to the Brigadier in a decorated casket, extolled the great deeds of British arms and recorded the humble part played by Michaelians in the war.
POST-WAR BOYS WORK WITH A WILL
            The friendliness and cordiality, animating all citizens in the early days, were clearly visible among the post-war school children. True many a stomach was still empty, many a heart still arched at the recollection of loss or affliction, and many had not the wherewithal to pay for books and school fees though only half rates were charged; yet all were cheerful and worked with a will. The pleasure that teachers felt, now that they were back at the tasks of which they had devoted themselves, was doubled by the excellent spirit and behaviour of their charge. Even now it rejoices the heart to recall those singularity blessed days.
            School closed on December 14, for Christmas in 1945. For the first time a holiday was given on Dr. Dun Yat Sen’s birthday. A most enjoyable concert, featuring among other items amusing play-lets reminiscent of the war and songs advocating international goodwill, brought the first post-war term to a very happy ending.
ST. MICHAEL’S REACHES THE 1000 MARK
            The School re-opened on January 14, 1946, with an enrolment of 1030. Were it not for the limit placed by the Education Officer after consultation with the heads of schools, and the lack of suitable accommodation, the enrolment could have been greatly exceeded. Works at school was fast regaining normalcy and the standard attained in the higher classes was so satisfactory that when the Rev. Bro. Patrick was consulted by the Education Department, he expressed the opinion that there was no need to lower the standard required for a pass in the coming Cambridge School Certificate Examination. That S.M.I. was one of the first schools in the country to be more or less fully rehabilitated was the opinion of the Director of Education when he visited the school in 1946.
EVENTS OF THE YEAR
            In connection with Savings Week, March 6-12, an Essay Competition was held. The first two places were taken by our boys. Our team came out second in the athletic sports on the same occasion, securing 16 points against the winner’s 18. In games St. Michael’s did well, particularly in Football and Hockey. The S.M.I. Hockey XI was about the strongest in the town. The pre-war inter-school fixtures between St. Michael’s and St. George’s of Taiping were revived on April 10 when the former sent up a contingent to Taiping which came back with all matches won. When the Georgians came down on October 19 for the return encounter, the S.M.I. teams almost succeeded in repeating their previous performance, losing only the second hockey match to the visitors.
            The Very Rev. Bro. Lawrence o’Toole, Assistant Superior-General, honoured the school with his first visit on September 9 and expressed satisfaction with its work and progress. In December, the school was the venue of the Annual Retreat of the Brothers in Malaya, among whom were the three Old Michaelians, recently received into the Brothers, namely Rev. Bro. Basilian, Bro. Wilfred and Bro. Michael.
            On September 26, Mr. Ho Peng Yoke, an old boy and Mr. Ng Aik Lye, a member of the staff, were entertained to tea by the senior boys in Singapore, having been awarded scholarships.
FIRST “PASSING OUT” DINNER
            The fine spirit of the Senior Class of 1946 has been mentioned. To mark the close of their career at school, and as an expression of gratitude to their teachers, the School Prefects and students in the Cambridge class held a dinner on November 30, to which the Director and staff were invited. This practice, initiated by them, bids fair to be an annual fixture with the Senior boys of St. Michael’s for in the following year (1947), a similar dinner was held at which the Head Prefect pleaded that the event be treated as an annual affair.
A NOTABLE YEAR
            The following year, 1947, saw St. Michael’s fully rehabilitated with an all-time high enrolment of 110. Good work was done in all classes. The problem of over-age boys was systematically dealt with quicker promotions being given in many cases. There were very few instances in which ever-age boys were advised to leave school and take vernacular education instead. After a lapse of over 20 years, lady teachers were again employed in the school to take charge of the smaller boys. Mrs. Woodford was appointed supervisor of the Primary classes.
            On July 4, the Rev. Bro. Edmund of Salisbury, the pre-war sub-Director, was welcomed back to the school, having returned from long leave in England.
            The year was made memorable by a number of notable events. On January 20, Mr. Ho Weng Toh, an Old Boy and Squadron Leader in the American trained Chinese Air Force, who was on a visit to his parents in Ipoh, was entertained  to an ‘At Home’ by the senior pupils of the school. Mr. Ho gave a very interesting account of his exciting exploits in the air over China, fighting against the enemy.
            On April 10, the Commission of Higher Education, headed by Sir Alexander Carr-Saunders, visited the School and consulted the Director regarding his views on Higher education.
            The Refresher Courses for South Perak Teachers was held in the School Hall from May 4 to May 9.
SOME DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
            At the Annual Sports held on July 5, among the large gathering of visitors were His Excellency the late Sir Edward Gent, Governor of the then Malayan Union and Lady Gent. Sir Edward spoke in reply to the Director’s address of welcome and Lady Gent gave away the prizes and trophies to the successful competitors. This is the second occasion when a Governor visited St. Michael’s.
            On the occasion of his first Episcopal visit to Ipoh, His Excellency Mgr. M. Olcomendy, recently consecrated Bishop of Malacca, paid a visit to the school on August 6. After an address of welcome was read, a concert was given to his honour. Two days later, the same concert was shown to parents and old boys in connection with ‘Parents’ Day’. Dr. Lip Siew Chiew spoke on behalf of Old Boys and parents.
MR. LIM KEAN HOOI HONOURED
            October 3, was another memorable day, for on this day Mr. Lim Kean Hooi, a member of the staff; received at the hands of Mr. A.C.Jomaron, Resident Commissioner, Perak, a card of commendation from the Governor in recognition of the part he played in the early days of the war in connection with ambulance work. His service has been referred to in another part of this review.
            On October 31, before the School Literary and Debating Society closed its activities for the year, a tea party was held by the members, presided over by Master George Dourado, the Chairman of the Society, to which the Rev. Bro. Director and staff were invited. A review of the year’s work was read out by the Secretary, Master Chan Weng Seong.
            A holiday was declared on November 20 in celebration of the wedding of Princess Elizabeth to the Duke of Edinburgh. The last social function of the year took place on November 22 when the School Prefect and the boys of the School Certificate Class held their Final Term Dinner in the Jubilee Restaurant. The Rev. Bro. Director and his staff were present. An account of the dinner appears elsewhere in this magazine.
            Two other events may be mentioned. A ‘hartal’ was called throughout the country by certain political parties on September 25 and again on October 20. There was school as usual on both occasions – all the staff turned up for duty and the attendance was very good. When a strike by Hospital workers was imminent in September, school boys were asked to volunteer for service. Fifty of our boys offered their services and were thanked by the Medical Officer. Our boys too helped bin the checking of the Census returned in September.
            The winners of the Chan Sem Lin Scholarships for the year were Master Khaw Choon Wan, Master Wong Yew Fah and Master Yan Poh Loke. The winner of the Cheah Cheang Lim Scholarship, open for inter-school competition, was won by our pupil, Master Yan Poh Loke.
            Rev. Bro. Rupert, teacher in charge of the Science Classes, who had been in St. Michael’s since 1935, left in October for Europe on long leave. His place was taken by Mr. Lee Guan Meng, a recent graduate of Raffles College. Mr. Toh Ee Boon, who had 37 years’ teaching experience to his credit, was granted three months vacation leave in November 1947, prior to his retirement.
            The year 1947 was a most successful year. The Senior boys set up a record of success in the Cambridge Examination held in December. Of 35 that sat for the Examination, 32 passed , of these 13 passed in Grade 1 – equivalent to over 40% of the passed, In his comments on the results of the school, received recently, the Adviser on Education wrote: “The results of the School in Geography, Mathematics, Science and Chinese (among the highest in the Federation) are very good.”
THE CLOSE OF A GLORIOUS PERIOD
            It was the writer’s intention to stop here, but having headed this part of the review with the title “The Patrician Period,” it is necessary to follow it up to a close which came on March 10. The year 1948 began auspiciously – it is the 35th year of the School’s existence. The only cloud was the impending departure of the popular Director, who, burdened with the onerous responsibilities of the post-war period, and having been in harness without Home leave for over 17 years, needed change and rest. A likely successor was the Rev. Bro. Edmund of Salisbury, the sub-Director, who had just returned from long leave, looking first and fit. The fact that he began, soon after his return, to take a very active part in the organization of games and studies lout color to the suggestion that he was to be the next Director, and well it might be for he knew St. Michael’s well. His sudden transfer to Malacca to take up the Directorship of St. Francis’ caused wide regret. Who was to be Bor. Patrick’s successor was not solved until Bro. Denis, an old friend, came into the picture towards the end of February. He had just returned from Home leave. Bro. Denis had served as sub-Director in St. Michael’s from June 19, 1938 but had left the following year.
            It was now definite that the Rev. Bro. Patrick was leaving but the date of departure was uncertain. Preparations, however, were set on foot to give Bro. Patrick a worthy send-off. A group-photograph of the whole school was taken and this, together with photographs of different groups as the staff, the Perfects and Scouts was presented to him as a memento of his long and distinguished connection with St. Michael’s. The usual farewell party was given, presided over by the Hon’ able Mr. Leong Yew Koh and attended by heads of schools and distinguished visitors, including a number of Federal and State Councillors, several being old boys. At short notice nearly 200 Old Boys turned up to bid their old Director goodbye. Truly may it be said that seldom has a Principal of a School enjoyed such whole-hearted support and esteem from pupils and staff during such a long term of office and given such enthusiastic send-off as the Rev. Bro. Patrick, who will long be remembered in St. Michael’s as the one who has played the most important part in giving the school the importance and reputation that it now enjoys.

                                                                                                The End


Wednesday 4 June 2014

Rugby takes root at SMI... 


The game was pioneered by Brother Polycarp Teo and Brother Mark Blaise in the 1940s............ 
Brother Casimir Hannon 

Mr Louis Rodrigues









The game reached its zenith under Brother Casimir Hannon and Mr Louis Rodrigues......... 


Mr Louis Rodrigues, a Michaelian  maestro (1960s).....   Mr Louis Rodrigues, with his splendid  record for games  as a student, now as a youthful member of the staff gave himself wholeheartedly  to promoting games and athletics. A whole generation  of Michaelian sportsmen and sportswomen  were inspired  by his leadership and his example of loyalty to the school.His interests developed into other areas as well and he was a familiar figure on the stage for concerts and drama productions.
Within the newly formed staff club, headed by veteran Mr Lim Kean Hooi, Louis was a key organiser of games,socials and

Ng Peng Kong, Malaysian rugby captain 1960's
outings for the staff. 
-Excerpt from "My Story"





Ng Peng Kong of St Michael's became Malaysian rugby captain in the 1960s. He also distinguished himself as the Secretary of the Malaysian Rugby Union in the 1970s.



Mr Choo Ah Chye , one of SMI’s greatest rugby coaches  (1998- 2002)...........

A strong interest in rugby survives to this day under En Helmi Md Isa and En Adi Yusri Yem. (1995 – 2012 ) and beyond to present times.............