Old boys and ex-staff join ‘Save St Thomas’ campaign

KUANTAN: Two ex-principals and a former senior assistant of St Thomas school have extended their support to the “Save St Thomas” campaign launched by its old boys.

They joined about 30 alumni and two current students who gathered in front of the former SMK St Thomas in Jalan Gambut yesterday to urge the Education Ministry to retain the school’s name.

K. Nanda Kumaran, 62, who was principal from 2007 to 2010, said he does not believe the owner of the land evicted the school.

Nanda Kumaran, who studied at St Thomas from 1962 to 1970, said it was built “brick by brick” by its founder Father Guittat and other principals with the cooperation of teachers and students.

“When I was the principal, the Education Department asked me to measure the school area and provide it with a sketch map.

“I did not know that it was trying to acquire the school land.

“As a civil servant, I carried out the orders obediently,” he said.

M.N. D’Cruz, who was principal from 1973 to 1984, said he taught in the school in 1954 before pursuing his postgraduate studies.

“I know the hard work put in by Father Guittat.

“He used his friendship and connections to plead and beg for funds from local businessmen and from overseas.

“Now, they want to erase the school’s history.

“St Thomas is in my blood and I pray the old boys succeed in their endeavour,” D’Cruz said.

Augustine Ng, 78, who taught in the primary and secondary schools from 1960 till 1979 and retired as senior assistant, said he has fond memories of the school.

His wife Loh Swee Cheong, who taught in the primary school from 1962 to 1978, was also at the gathering.

Chris Lim, 56, who is now living in Melbourne, Australia, said the school should not be wiped from existence.

The same sentiment was shared by fellow old boys, architect Shahriman Sidek of Shah Alam and Prof Abu Bakar Musa of Bandar Baru Bangi in Selangor.

Save St Thomas ad hoc committee chairman Abdul Rahman Abdul Razak said they will print “Save St Thomas” T-shirts and caps to spread their message on the importance of maintaining the school name.

He said the committee is planning a “Walk with Thomasians” event and a grand gathering by March.

Old boys who are interested in taking part may contact him at 019313 1828.