KUCHING: With the phrase “a reflection of our ability to appreciate and celebrate our differences”, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has more or less described what mission schools in the state mean to its former and current students in particular, and to other Sarawakians as a whole.
In his speech text that was read on Thursday (Nov 2) by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian at the launching ceremony of the Mill Hill Block of SMK St Joseph here, he reiterated that this is one of Sarawak’s beautiful characteristics.
Stressing that it is the responsibility of all Sarawakians to protect this unique way of life, he said, “Let not all that happen outside Sarawak, that cause anxiety and division in society, be a reason for us … to be fragmented along religious and racial lines.”
Regarding the restored Mill Hill Block of SMK St Joseph, he hoped it would continue to serve many more generations of multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sarawakians and produce even more great leaders who will bring Sarawak to new levels of glory locally and globally.
He then emphasised the importance of education in nation-building and expressed his strong belief that it was only through knowledge and wisdom that everyone can be empowered to take control of their lives and to advance their livelihoods.
He believed that the balanced education provided at St Joseph’s School had built strong and outstanding characters.
“To mention but a few famous sons, our beloved Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the late Tok Nan, the late Datuk Polycarp Sim, and many others are the exceptional products of St Joseph’s School,” he said.
Abang Johari said that for the old boys of the school, the Mill Hill Block was precious to them when they were students there.
“We are standing or seated before a 139-year old building which is not just a physical sight we view with admiration and awe but one which carries the depth of history, identity, heritage, and memories we are very proud of,” he said.
He congratulated all the different parties who had made an enormous collective effort to successfully restore the block, including the architects, engineers, school leadership, Old Boys, and all the generous contributors.
“Surely, the preservation process has been challenging, but again it proves that nothing is impossible when everyone puts their hearts and minds into making it a reality,” he said.
He said that St Joseph’s School held a special place in his heart, having been its student in 1970 when the late Brother Columba was the principal.
“I am sure some of you who were under his stewardship before would know and feel the love and dedication given by him and his predecessors in educating every child who came into this school.
“Indeed, it is a privilege and an honour to be a part of this legacy. Through it, we have been instilled with the unwavering desire to carry on the rich traditions and to make St Joseph’s School the chosen and dream school everyone wants to be a part of,” said Abang Johari.
He expressed appreciation for all the Mill Hill Fathers who came not only to fulfil their missionary work but also to bring education to Sarawakians.
He said through this, students sat for their Cambridge Junior Examination and everyone who qualified had a chance to pursue further education and thereafter return and serve in the different departments of development in Sarawak as well as staff members of the school.
“Our deepest gratitude and appreciation also go to the La Salle Brothers who took the school to new heights after the Mill Hill Fathers.
“Engrained in the spirit of providing for ‘the last, the lost, and the least’, they continued to make the school a haven where students of all races could come together to learn and grow holistically regardless of the faith they belonged to,” he said.
He said he was also very proud that SMK St Joseph had continued to fly high under the leadership of equally capable local school heads such as Gerald Lee and others.
Abang Johari said many students had achieved great things and gained memorable experiences reminding them to stay valiant and true to the ethos impacted.
