This Is Tolerence

Despite being a multiracial, and multi-religious country, schools in Malaysia, especially with those having more than 60% of Muslim majority students seem to always forget about the other smaller groups in the school.  This is however not evident today when SMK Matang Jaya, Kuching showed that tolerance can be celebrated with respect for all despite being the minority.

Reherseals were conducted by Johnny and Benedict before the mass

In a rare yet meaningful event in the school hall, the school administration has in admiration called upon the non-Muslim teachers to organize a blessing prayer for non-Muslim students taking the coming public examinations.  Surprised and at the same time delighted, a committee comprising of all the non-Muslim staff was initiated into action, and Fr Nicholas Ng from St Joseph’s Cathedral was invited to grace this occasion, with a welcoming speech by the Principle herself.

Pn Hajah Sabtuyah, Principle of SMK Matang Jaya Officiating the Exam Blessing Mass

Now what??

Preparations for this blessing mass went well till the last hour when out of the blue, electricity in the school hall has disconnected.   Rizalman a.k.a Bob was called to help in the situation, but after numerous tries, it was evident that the mass had to take place without electricity.  Finally, at 230pm, the Principal, Pn Hajah Sabtuyah was invited to officiate the event, in which she gladly did.  In her speech, the Principle said that this was a great effort and it shall be continued next year.  I was personally impressed by what she said during the speech as it showed she had great understanding and respect for people of other faiths.  Okay… the fact that she asked us teachers to organize this mass despite being a Muslim shows alot of her, and I respect her for that. The Principle then left us as we proceeded with the mass blessing.

In the dark.. without electricity.. the mass goes on..

Students attending the mass

The mass eventually went on without a hitch despite no electricity.  I was however quite disappointed my effort in producing the power point slide (to show the hymns and mass responses) went down the drain as to use the LCD, you need electricity..  which was out!!  *D@MN!! D@MN.. D@MN!!!* After the mass, students, attending parents and all the staff took tea together at the school canteen with Fr Nicholas.

Fr Nicholas Ng cracking a joke during tea time

I guess, the most beautiful part of the event was the fact that the Principle herself which is a Muslim came out with the idea, and willingly came to officiate the event despite knowing it has nothing to do with her faith.  It is also just amazing to see how Bob tried his best to restore electricity despite the event having little of nothing to do with him or his faith!  Tell me if I’m wrong, but I feel that the Principle has shown a great example of how things should be done in schools, and in Malaysia as a whole because when you respect and acknowledge the importance of the minorities, they will look up to you and what you stand for, which includes your faith, decisions, work and personality.

Food was provided at the end of the mass

Anyway, we finished the whole thing at about 5pm.. and this means I was in school from 7am-5pm… I just hope we don’t have to do this everyday because I’m just too darn tired now.

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