Down memory lane: Fadillah sharing a cheerful moment with Sister Ignatia. — Photo taken from Fadillah Yusof’s Facebook
PETALING JAYA: Overjoyed and deeply moved, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof finally had the opportunity to reunite with his former primary school headmistress, Sister Ignatia Soon, after many years.
The approximately 30-minute meeting took place at the Convent of Mary Immaculate Padungan, near Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Kuching, Sarawak.
For Fadillah, this encounter was more than just a trip down memory lane – it was a moment filled with deep gratitude and emotional closure.
“I was happy and deeply moved to finally meet Sister Ignatia again after all these years,” said Fadillah, who studied at SK St Mary from 1969 to 1974 when Sister Ignatia was headmistress.
“I really appreciate all my former teachers. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support and guidance,” he said in a social media post.
Sister Ignatia, 84, for her part, remembered Fadillah from his school days.
She served as headmistress of SK St Mary from 1968 to 1995 before retiring and dedicating her life to the church in Kuching, said Fadillah.
Social media users were touched by his gesture of visiting his former teacher despite his busy schedule.
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 deed and I hope he can be a good example for others.”
Joseph Wong, concurred, saying that Fadillah set a good example of always appreciating former teachers despite being different in terms of religion and race.
Amanda Christina Silest said: “I think Sister Ignatia would be very proud to meet her pupil ... who has also become a Deputy Prime Minister.”
