Najib pays tribute to his alma mater on SJI's 110th anniversary

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak paid tribute to St John's Institution on its 110th anniversary Friday, saying he still cherished the values and principles imparted to him while he was a student at the school.

In a special message recorded at his office, the prime minister expressed

his thoughts on the special camaraderie outside classroom amongst friends which he felt was the best memories of his days at St John’s.

"That sense of being together and plus a strong ethos and spirit of St John’s I still remember till today,” he said.

“St John’s as a school and as an institution in fact has contributed substantially in producing quality people with leadership skills and right values to take this country forward,” he said.

Najib also wished that St John’s Institution would continue to play a prominent role in the area of education landscape in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister also received a courtesy visit from the St John’s Alumni Association (SJAA) led by its president Datuk Zulkifli Ishak.

The SJAA presented Najib with the Eagle One Award in honour and recognition of the Prime Minister’s contributions and achievements through the years in conjunction with the school's anniversary celebrations.

St John’s Institution through its Johannians Leadership Foundation received a sponsorship of RM200,000 from Proton Holdings Bhd for the upkeep and maintenance of its school field for the next four years.

In conjunction with Teachers Day, the SJAA through Najib took the opportunity to recognise the contributions and legacy of two of St John’s teachers, Master Vincent and Master David Fernandez.

Both the teachers have played significant roles in sports education for St John’s and have since produce national sportsmen representing Malaysia.

For their dedication and undying passion, Najib signed a declaration to name the St John’s school field as The Fernandez Field in honor of both the teachers.

St John’s Institution Kuala Lumpur will be hosting a Gala Dinner on Saturday at The Royale Chulan Hotel to mark anniversary.