The Past :: The Present :: The Future

Moulding a Glorious Tomorrow, Today

Being a part of the Malay College is an honor. Within this renowned institution, one would have been subjected to rigorous and vigilant training - not just academic subjects but it self development capacities. It is not just the hostel life or regulations set by the educational authorities that place such emphasis on the development of the Collegians but more so as a matter of traditions. Excellence has long been a way of life at our alma mater. Once in, the training that all College Boys received was more than sufficient to compensate for any so-called insufficient. As the motto goes : "Fiat Sapientia Virtus". Let manliness come through wisdom. Collegians are there for well-trained and instructed on the facets of life. They are taught not just to absorb learning, but to think. To develop a querying mind. Great minds.

 

Never mind that not all Collegians become Prime Ministers, political leaders, CEO's, famous writers, government officers but whatever career paths they choose, it is without doubt that they would have benefited tremendously from their schooling at the Malay College. Tomorrow is our own making. To be famous or not is our choice. A graduate from the Malay College is naturally equipped with a well-balanced dose of learning to prepare him for his later years. This maturity thus a trade mark of the Malay College graduates.

 

Going back to the Roots of Tradition

The philosophy of the college bespeaks: "The fusion of intelligence and valuable wisdom is the foundation of mankind's progress that is excellent and divine, preserving our race and nation besides pledging loyalty to Allah." The College then highlights its prime objective; "To create a new generation of Collegians who are academically excellent with sound leadership skills and a strong sense of individuality." These mean one thing. The Malay College is committed to producing students of high quality, year after year. Individuals who are intelligent and sensitive to their environment. The high quality of students already schooled in normal educational institutions notwithstanding, the Malay College seeks to further develop its students far beyond the call of its duty.

In the old days, the mere mention of the Malay College brought to mind an institution for the elite and intelligent. One that produced a learned race of scholars who were being groomed to be leaders of the future. Till today, the Headmasters, teachers and Collegians alike are committed to perpetuate this heritage. The Old Boys through the MCOBA also play a fundamental role in helping to shape the future of the Malay College of Kuala Kangsar. Restoring its glory as an internal part of the nation's leadership training and providing a very important service to the country.

 

It is without doubt that the structure of the institution have withstood many decades, braving rain and shine, and atrocities of war and irresponsible students alike. However, we must no longer be complacent but should work toward restoring the grand old dame. Understandably, extensive repair works have been carried out these few years. Yet, to preserve the Malay College, regular and conscientious maintenance coupled with the right attitudes should be further emphasized to prolong its life span even more. Let us all pledge to preserve not just the heritage of our alma mater but also help to maintain the building and grounds that we once lived, played and studied in.

 

Our College, Our Conscience

One Collegian writes in the 1993 magazine, " I'm sure most, if not all of us still remember our first day at this alma mater of ours. All of us were heads high in sheer pride but with also tears of sorrow. We knew that this was going to be the beginning of a perilous journey (at that time). we were entering the unknown corridors of this old castle filled with tradition and memories of past boys destined for pure supremesin. WE CAME HOPING TO GET OUT, BUT WENT CRYING TO STAY." The Eton of the East as the college was fondly nicknamed was second home for many youngsters. It is still is. Aspiring. Ambitious. Diligent young men who understood that there was a future ahead of them after the Malay College of Kuala Kangsar. Individuals who were willing to work hard to reap the fruits of success.

 

There may be some new students today are skeptical of the College's historical successes and deem it as just another old school with history. Their doubts will be answered. Because they will complete their necessary education and walk out triumphant, knowing that they received something of value during the years spent here. And this amount of learning, cannot be received in just any other school. The Malay College is rich in tradition. The glory and many traditions of the past will continue to be a hallmark trait of current Collegians. An inspiration to work towards results.

 

Visualize your days as a College many years past. Picture yourself in the college grounds. Sit under the Big Tree and discuss the over-glorified life of Hang Tuah and the tribulations of Hang Jebat. To the men of yesteryear, Hang Tuah was a hero. To many Malays today, Hang Jebat was the real hero, one who stood against oppression and fought for his rights. Do you remember standing in the field with your buddies, cropped hair and all? Do you recall the feel of the cold metal bars on the hard bunk beds or the stark bareness of your own little locker/cupboard? Although these old days seemed difficult then, you were powered with the zeal for success.

 

Thankfully, Collegian today are equipped with the better and cleaner amenities. So much must be said of the beautiful memories that continue to edge into our minds. Leading us to realise that we too can play a part in moulding the future of our sons and descendants who one day may also continue to uplift the College's honour.

 

The Malay College

In the beginning, prior to the formation of the Malay College, RJ Wilkinson propounded " the need to be in touch with modern progress "or the drive for modernization. In the same respect, Collegians can participate actively in providing the leadership and guidance necessary to propel the country towards progress. This is the essence of a progressive and resilient institution.

Today, the cubicles and the colonnades of the College remain. The daily routine, the rules, the pompousness and the many customs. All the trademarks of the College. The hallmark of practice long past and replaced with new ones, yet veering closely to the prestige of the yesteryear. Writes one Old Boy, Adlan Benan Omar, " I had come to admire the guts of this place. Imagine having to survive for (so many) years with so many changes and myriad styles. The College itself is a living monument that embodies the ability and capability of the Malay race. " Brotherhood between the Collegians remains a strong, unifying factor. No doubt, disagreements occur but that is another fact of life. To live and learn. To disagree or to agree. It is all a part of the learning process. And as time comes and goes, it is all an evolution, gradually shaping the future of our alma mater.

 

Remembering the past, Preparing for the Future.

There are many current leaders from both sides of the political fence who are Old Boys of the Malay College. They include Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Dato' Seri Sanusi Junid, Dato' Manan Othman, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Tengku Seri Paduka Raja Nazrin, Tan Sri Aziz, Datuk Raja Ariffin Sulaiman, to name a few.

 

During the days when the late Tun Abdul Razak was the Prime Minister, almost half of the cabinet were Old Boys. On Wednesdays, the day the cabinet meeting were held, half of the Cabinet members were wearing the same tie, by no coincidence also the day when Old Boys were supposed to wear their old College ties.

 

It is MCOBA's vision to see the same leadership calibrate demonstrated among the leaders of tomorrow. MCOBA thus hopes to contribute towards spurring Collegian to maximize their leadership potential. The Board of Governors, made up of Old Boys and the government, plays an important role here. So far, it has been instrumental in changing the composition of Collegians to safeguard the retention and continuity of policies that preserve the essential character of the institution. The dedication of the Old Boys is vitally important in preserving the heritage of the institution.

 

It must be noted that steps have been taken by the school authorities, Parents-Teachers Association and MCOBA to beautify the College. Some notable efforts in the recent years include the " Green Our School " campaign, the repainting of the premises and the use of natural landscaping our part in conserving our alma mater. The present is not just determined by the Old Boys. Anyone and everyone who walks within the grounds yesterday, today and tomorrow plays a vital role in reliving its past glory. The Malay College 's future is in our hands today.

 

The Past :: The Present :: The Future

 

Che Wah :: 9107595 :: XX Thoroughbred