In 1987, several events unfolded that I am eager to share with you.
The year began with me assuming the role of acting principal at Grade A school SMK Serian in Serian, following my promotion in late December 1986.
This advancement was sparked by Fong Chee Hung’s transfer to the Education Headquarters in Kuching.
The official letter of appointment, signed by Education Director Datuk Azmi Junid, designated me as the acting A10 principal while concurrently serving as the Senior Time A11 education officer.
This transition entailed a significant alteration in my salary structure. I embraced this new role with eager anticipation.
On February 3, we joyously celebrated our daughter Garcia Ann Kejuang’s first birthday with a chocolate cake and refreshments relished by all, including our guests.
As the Serian District Commissioner of Scouting, I shouldered additional responsibilities beyond the realm of academics.
In April of that year, I spearheaded a district camp at the foot of Mount Semuja in the Serian district, bringing together various scout groups from SMK Taie and several primary schools.
This gathering united boys and girls from Chinese, Malay, Iban, and Javanese backgrounds in an enriching experience.
In addition to the district camp, we organised the Part 1 Woodbadge Course at SMK Serian for all scout leaders in the district, with support from Scout Headquarters providing instructors for the brief yet impactful half-day course.
Further extending my involvement, circa August, I was invited to lecture at the Woodbadge Part 4A course held at Scout Headquarters in Batu Lintang, Kuching.
Notably, among the participants was MP Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who would later assume the role of Sarawak Chief Scout Commissioner and currently holds the esteemed title of State Governor, Tun Pehin Sri.
My lectures delved into the Principles of Jungle Survival and Signals and Signs in Scouting.
Subsequently, I became a member of the state’s Scout Training Team, following my attainment of the two-bead Woodbadge in 1984 and later pursuing the three-bead Woodbadge at the National Training Course in Cheras, KL in 1993.
In the initial days of January, my wife Juliana was appointed as a temporary teacher at the school, instructing Form 4 students in English Language.
Our daughter and Juliana had joined me at the school in July 1986 when Garcia was merely five months old.
By January 1987, we enlisted the help of a caregiver named Nono from Camp Semuja to tend to our daughter.
Nono’s nurturing care forged a strong bond with Garcia, making her an invaluable addition to our family.
A moment of concern surfaced when Garcia exhibited distress after consuming powdered milk, prompting me to urgently reach out to my friend, Dr Liu, at his clinic.
Fortunately, Dr Liu was available, and we swiftly sought medical attention for Garcia at his clinic in Serian.
Following an assessment, Garcia was recommended for admission to Serian Hospital due to milk contamination.
Thankfully, she received attentive care during her brief hospitalisation, with one of the nurses, my second cousin Bangie Jalil, extending extra warmth and support.
Garcia’s swift recovery brought immense joy to us and Nono.
My foray into the realm of horse racing merits a mention here.
Around May 1987, I experienced a stroke of luck at the Padungan Race Course, where off-course races captivated punters.
The race, held in Singapore, featured a horse named Swinger ridden by the esteemed Jockey CH Kam, renowned for his unexpected victories.
Instinctively, I placed numerous bets on Swinger, yielding a substantial return when the horse clinched victory, eliciting thunderous cheers from the crowd.
This win marked a significant triumph in my horse racing endeavours.
The commemoration of Teachers’ Day on May 16 resonated with a solemn commitment by educators to uphold the tenets of Rukunegara.
The day culminated in a captivating stage performance, featuring a musical ensemble led by myself.
Our impromptu band rendition, including The Shadows’ instrumental “Apache,” and a spirited performance of “Red River Valley” left both teachers and students spellbound.
In August, news of my brother-in-law Penghulu Kandau Sagoh’s passing in Saratok reached me.
Regrettably, I couldn’t attend the funeral due to logistical constraints.
Kandau, the husband of our late sister Dinggu, was on the cusp of being appointed Pemanca.
September brought news of the completion of our new residence at Lot 2046, Lorong Pasir in Rock Road, Kuching, marking a significant milestone for our family.
This development allowed us to transition into our new abode, following a period of respite at the Mayfair Hotel during our time in Kuching.
On my 33rd birthday, October 20, we marked the occasion with a modest family dinner, foregoing the customary birthday cake.
Come November, I received an appointment letter naming me as the principal of SMK Julau in the Sarikei Division.
I was slated to assume this role on December 22. Before embarking on this new chapter, I made a poignant stop at our longhouse in Kedap, Saratok, to spend cherished moments with my parents.
Arriving at SMK Julau on December 22, we were graciously accommodated at Sri Julau, the principal’s residence.
On Christmas Day, I had the privilege of visiting Dato Sri Temenggong Banyang Janting at his longhouse in Batu Matop, near Julau town, accompanied by the school’s groundsman, Sait.
This encounter marked a memorable introduction to Temenggong Banyang, who warmly welcomed me as ‘anak’ (son), embodying kindness and generosity.
Reflecting on my tenure as the school principal until 1993, I later transitioned to SMK Lake in Bau, assuming the role of Senior Time A11 Education Officer and acting as the A10 principal until the arrival of the new principal.
This journey encapsulated a tapestry of experiences that enriched my professional and personal growth.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
