Heart and Soul: Schooldays with Sudirman and Yasmin

Class of Upper Six Biology, SMK Sultan Abu Bakar, Kuantan, in 1973. The writer is seated in the centre, with Sudirman standing right behind him. Also standing are Mr Chew (first from the right) and Kong Lan Ha (second from the left). Photo: Thiagan Mathiaparanam

Sultan Abu Bakar Secondary School, Kuantan, fondly known then as SABS (now SMK Sultan Abu Bakar), was the premier school in Pahang during the 1960s and 70s. It was the school that students from all other districts had to go to, to study Form Six. Only Pahang’s cream of the crop had the privilege to study there.

To get an opportunity to study in Form Six was the in-thing at that time. Everyone looked up to those in Form Six.