PETALING JAYA: After many attempts and missed opportunities over the years, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) finally reunited with the woman who had profoundly shaped his early education.
The much-anticipated meeting, lasting about 30 minutes, took place at the Convent of Mary Immaculate Padungan, near Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Kuching, Sarawak, where he met with his former headmistress Sister Ignatia Soon.
In the photos posted by Fadillah on Facebook, the 84-year-old greeted him with warmth and gentle demeanor.
"I was happy and deeply moved to finally meet Sister Ignatia again after all these years,” he said on Sunday (Aug 4).
Fadillah studied at SK St Mary from 1969 to 1974, where Sister Ignatia was headmistress.
"I really appreciate all my former teachers. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support and guidance,” he added.
Social media users were touched by Fadillah’s gesture of visiting his former teacher despite his busy schedule as the deputy prime minister.
User Ismail Maharop wrote: “Even though (Fadillah) has become a deputy prime minister, he is still humble towards the teachers. I’m touched by his good deeds and I hope he can be a good example for others.”
Another user, Joseph Wong, agreed by saying that Fadillah has set a good example of appreciating former teachers, even if they are of different religion and race.
Another netizen, Amanda Christina Silest said: “I think Sister Ignatia would be very proud to meet her former pupil... who has also become a deputy prime minister.”
