KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — SMK St. John, one of the oldest schools in Kuala Lumpur, will once again be known by its old name, St. John’s Institution.
The announcement was made by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah in his speech during the school’s 2016 Academic Excellence Award ceremony here, today.
“The original name of the school is very much appreciated by every Johannian who felt they lost something very valuable after the name was changed.
“Every Johannian expressed their wish that the school revert to the original name. Alhamdulillah, it received positive response.
“On behalf of fellow Johannians, I express thanks to the minister and the Ministry of Education for agreeing to the request for this school to revert to its original name, St. John’s Institution,” he added.
Sultan Nazrin is an old boy of St John’s Institution, having studied there for two years (1969-1970) before furthering his studies in the United Kingdom.
Speaking to Bernama later, St. John’s Institution principal Dr MV. Puvanendran said the school’s management submitted a proposal to revert to the school’s original name early this year.
“We are glad that the ministry has endorsed our request to change the name. As a very established school with a long history, heritage and tradition, we feel it is an honour and privilege that we keep its original name.”
Established in January 1904 by the La Sallian Brothers, St. John’s Institution started as an all boys missionary school.
It produced a long list of notable leaders including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Zeti Aziz and the first Malaysian to conquer Mt. Everest, Datuk N. Mohanadas. — Bernama
