PETALING JAYA: It should have always been St John's Institution. That sums up what netizens said about SMK St John in Jalan Bukit Nanas which has reverted to its original name.
"Yes! It shud have been and will always be St John's Institution. Never change it again. Who's the best?! Who's the best," said Shamsul Rizal on The Star Online's Facebook page.
Another netizen, Kat Kate Kathy said that a name cannot be simply changed.
"A name is given from birth to death. Good move to stick to St. John Institution," added Kat Kate Kathy.
They were responding to Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah, who in his speech during the school's academic excellence awards ceremony on Saturday, said the name St. John's Institution was appreciated by each Johannian (alumni of St. John's Institution).
"Every Johannian felt something valuable was lost when the school's name was changed.
"They expressed their wish for the previous name to be maintained. Alhamdullilah, it has received a positive response," said Sultan Nazrin, who had studied at the school from 1969 to 1970.
Similar views were shared by Joseph Smith Cheah who said that "life is not about money but is about history" and Wan Rosina Wan Mohamed who said "we love it as it is......thank goodness!"
Meanwhile, ForZa Rossi also praised the name change, saying that "there are things that's just meant to be."
Another netizen, Apuu Rassa added that "it is truly indecent of authorities to change names of roads, public buildings etc."
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said there was no problem if the 112-year-old school reverted back to its original name.
School principal Dr Puvanendran V. Maruthavanar said it was an honour and privilege for the school to be called St. John's Institution once again.
Among notable Johannians are Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his brother Datuk Seri Nazir Tun Razak, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and outgoing Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.
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