Our primary school in Nanga Assam, Melupa, Saratok, entered its second year of operation on January 2, 1963. There were some cherished moments that I can recall and would like to share with the readers.
Firstly, we happily welcomed a new teacher into our fold, an Iban from Disso, Saratok, named Tom Meludin Dian, aged around 24. He came with his young wife, fondly called Indai Endun, their daughter Endun, who was four years old, and an infant son, Igat.
It was said that their younger daughter Ulat (later known as Caroline), then aged three, was left with the grandparents in Disso, near Saratok town. Meludin seemed to be a very active young man, full of zest. He was in addition to our headmaster, Michael Abunawas.
A new batch of students was registered as Primary One kids. They numbered around thirty. Among them were Uncle Lijang Kalom, 9, from Sulau in Assam; Isah Meling (f), our second paternal cousin from Sungai Belung, Melupa, aged around 8; Kupa Unchat (f), 8, also from the same longhouse, and some more relatives from Kedap such as our first paternal cousin Sabang Ampoi, and two sons of Michael Abunawas, Brownie and Dunstan, aged respectively 7 and six.
Also registered for admission was my cousin Spencer Empading Sanggin, 7, fondly known as Mamat (he was later to become the first product of Nanga Assam to be made a professor and given a datukship title).
Around early February of that year, my dad (the pioneer treasurer of the school committee) requested that my elder brother Jon and I be allowed to board at the school.
This was because the school was yet to be made a boarding school and was without any boarding facilities. We were allowed to sleep on the second floor of the only school building, and we did our cooking there too. Jon, 15, invited our second paternal cousin Tajak Radin from Sulau in Assam, also aged around 15, to join us. So from then onwards, the three of us cousins stayed at the school as pioneer boarders.
It was around May of that year that the school was made a boarding school and was given boarding facilities, including a kitchen assistant or amah. Our female second cousin Jata Meling, aged 18, was made our initial kitchen hand. She did the cooking and cleaning as well as other chores required of a kitchen hand.
The upper floor of the school building was divided into two and walled; one for the boys and one meant for our female counterparts. In total, there were about 40 boarders. We were not charged for boarding but had to contribute rice and firewood. I remember Jata was paid RM90 monthly from the school fund.
In June, the school hosted its second land sports event, inviting three neighbouring schools: SRK Mendas in Assam, SRK Tanduk in Kerangan, and SRK Nanga Drau in Krian. The highlight was parents participating on the second day. A humorous moment occurred when elderly mothers attempted football, some barely kicking before stumbling, to everyone’s amusement. Fathers then tried shot put, with Uncle Awie’s comical throw drawing laughter. Eldest brother Edward, 21, visiting from Kuching Trade School, aimed for an ‘Olympic-style throw,’ accidentally hitting a classroom window. Laughter filled the air as they brushed off the mishap, creating lasting memories at the event.
On those two days, my mom and dad were busily operating a sales stall at the edge of the school field. They were selling rice plus chicken curry for just a ringgit and fifty sen each, and ‘suntung palu’ (pounded cuttlefish) for 50 sen each. Sweetened drinks were also on sale for just 20 sen per cup.
In that memorable year, amidst numerous events, I am excited to reminisce on our engagement during the lively ‘Independence Day’ celebrations in September. Earlier, I recounted our initial celebration of Independence Day on September 16, 1963, which paved the way for Malaysia Day festivities. On that significant day, around thirty students and parents gathered in Saratok town to mark Malaysia’s beginnings at the Kalaka District Council field. Despite being given badges dated August 31, 1963, symbolizing Hari Merdeka, the atmosphere was festive with a large turnout. I still cherish a badge from that day. Our journey continued as we boarded the motor launch ‘pom pom’ aka ‘Muto Labo’ on September 17, followed by an educational assembly led by Teacher Meludin on September 18, where he elucidated Malaysia’s significance alongside Headmaster Michael.
He explained to the students a little bit about the new government in Sarawak led by Stephen Kalong Ningkan (later Tan Sri Datuk Amar) as well as some elements about the state legislative assembly, especially on the role of Krian Assemblyman Dunstan Endawie Enchana (later Datuk Amar), who was a minister in the first state cabinet.
I can recall that there were two fundraising cockfights held in the year, one with my dad as ‘tuai sabung.’ To be ‘tuai sabung,’ he was required to start the first fight with his cockerel or rooster. His cockerel, a ‘labang belansi’ (white king), was bet at RM15 against its opponent and won unharmed. In those days, a bet of RM40 or more was considered a ‘championship’ item. The two sessions of cockfights managed to collect some funds for the school.
In late September, tragedy struck as Meludin’s infant son, Igat, passed away in the evening. Upon hearing cries from their Bukit Tinggi home, Dad rushed to the scene and recounted a challenging journey to the wake. Along the way, he encountered a huge black object blocking his path near Sungai Kebok, which he grappled with before hurling it down a slope. Arriving at 7.30 pm, he learned of Igat’s passing. Exhausted, he slept on a stool and dreamt of a finely dressed man from Panggau Libau praising Dad for overcoming him earlier and revealing the power of the hair on his right side to render one invisible against giants.
Igat’s passing left an irreplaceable mark on the Meludins. This was when Meludin, Indai Endun, and Endun sought solace and comfort from my mom and dad. Indai Endun and her daughter Endun stayed with Mom and Dad for at least two weeks at Bukit Tinggi, whereas Meludin took Jon and me to stay with him at his quarters. He fancied Jon’s company as they shared a common interest in net fishing. Since then, Dad took Meludin as his adopted brother by exchanging gifts. That paved the way for our unbroken bond and friendship even though Meludin and Dad had gone to be with their forefathers. May they rest in everlasting peace.
