The prefect

In primary schools throughout Malaysia, a prefect is a title that many school children covet. Those chosen are supposed to be of "good character" and some build so to be entrusted with some power to help the school "control" other students. And by God's design, I was one.

This is the neck tie I wore when I was a prefect in Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (Bahasa Inggeris), Jalan Padang Tembak (2), Kuala Lumpur. I was "Ketua Murid Rendah" in 1974; "Ketua Murid" in 1975 and "Ketua Sekolah" in 1976. Those were exaggerated and inaccurate titles to be given to a child, don't you think? Wouldn't the headmaster/headmistress the rightful head of the school?

This picture above is the picture of the prefects with Puan Kamariah, the headmistress in 1975. #1 is Yusrina, the head pupil, and I (#2) was her deputy. When I was the head pupil in 1976, Rosmawarni (#3), was made deputy. I believe she succeeded me in 1977.

One of the chief responsibilities of the head pupil was to lead the National Anthem during assembly every Monday. The head pupil would stand on the intermediate landing of the staircase (marked with star) and as the music started to play, he/she would lift his/her hand much like an orchestra conductor. When I was in standard 5, I used to observe Yusrina carry out this task. By year 6, (putting up a brave front and pushing shyness aside) I just continued with the custom. Unbeknownst to me, that weekly performance brought pride to my uncle (Datuk Bulat's son who's one year younger than me). He would tell his friends, "that's my niece up there!"