I remember singing the school anthem with gusto during our Monday school assemblies.
Sons of St. Joseph’s, a voice is resounding,
Promptly respond to your duty’s sweet call,
Answer you all for the trumpet is sounding,
Your Mater’s proclaiming her watchword to all.
Chorus:
Forward, her children dear,
Ever with hearts sincere.
Render with joy to your Mater her due;
All that is vile reject,
Heaven will e’er protect.
Children of St Joseph’s valiant and true.
Prayer and labour your motto still bearing,
Forward with courage in ways that are just,
True to your standard, be doing and daring,
As faithful Josephians in heaven you trust.
These are the lyrics of my former school anthem – St. Joseph’s School.
Everyone would stand at full attention as we belted out the lines in unison, with every available ounce of breath in our lungs, as “our one voice” resonated across the school auditorium, that even passers-by would not fail to hear it down the road.
Of course the roar would have doubled in volume had the singing of our school rally coincided with any prize-giving ceremonies during the assemblies.
” Those entrusted to “fight and reclaim” our rights and autonomy should be clear enough of the task at hand. “
We have won so many trophies and titles in both sports and academic achievements that hardly an assembly proceeded without a prize presentation of any kind.
It went without doubt that it was every Josephian’s dream to don the famous Irish-green jersey, even as a reserve player.
The disappointment of not being selected to represent the school was only tempered by the consolation that those chosen had won their right based on merit.
The right to represent the school came with the collective responsibility to win with honour and magnanimity and take defeat with graciousness.
These were the ideals inculcated in us as we strived to be “higher, faster and stronger”.
It was quite difficult to find the exact words to describe “that feeling of immense pride and joy” as one strode up the stage to receive the medals from our late principal, Reverend Bro Columba to the thunderous applause of fellow students from the floor.
Every Josephian who went on stage to receive the “rewards of his labours” would know that it was the Team Spirit of all for one and one for all’ which made the success and achievement possible.
Those applauding enthusiastically from the floor also acknowledged that the success and achievement were deserving and brought about by “the best chosen from among them” to be their representatives to wear that famous Irish-green jersey.
We were taught to be “gracious in defeat” and “magnanimous in victory” – easier said than done as there were occasions when emotions overwhelmed everything else, although this was quickly brought under control by the shrill blast of the whistle or a glaring look from our school principal or the teacher-in-charge.
Till today, I am not too sure which one of these prevailed – the rule of law or the “looks which could kill” glares from our mentors or the referee.In all fairness, I believe it was sportsmanship which saved the day.
Fast forward 2019 and it goes without a doubt that sentiments are running high among Sarawakians pertaining to reclaiming our rights and autonomy as a founding partner in the Federation of Malaysia.
Much has been said and there is not much added-value in repeating them.
Those entrusted to “fight and reclaim” our rights and autonomy should be clear enough of the task at hand.
Sarawakians expect nothing less than what were explicitly documented in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
We do not expect our state leaders to negotiate the non-negotiable “terms and conditions in MA63” but to be “doing and daring” in seeking implementation and compliance, which are long overdue.
Not an inch more, not an inch less for Sarawak’s honour and dignity are priceless.
And may we proudly stride up the stage, with heads held high to collect our just rewards as a country strong and free.
May this rally inspire us to achieve our goals as fellow Sarawakians roar in one thunderous voice to “The Sarawak Rally”…
Sons of Sarawak, a voice is resounding,
Promptly respond to your duty’s sweet call,
Answer you all for the trumpet is sounding,
Your country’s proclaiming her watchword to all.
Chorus :
Forward, Sarawakians dear,
Ever with hearts sincere.
Render with joy to your country her due;
All that is vile reject,
Heaven will e’er protect.
Sons of Sarawak valiant and true.
“Protect and defend”, your motto still bearing,
Forward with courage in ways that are just,
True to your standard, be doing and daring,
As faithful Sarawakians in heaven you trust.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
