Sunday Vibes

A true gentleman and dedicated leader: Bro Ultan Paul of St Michael's Institution

HE passed away more than 21 years ago, but his memory lingers on. From thousands of kilometres away, Brother Ultan Paul, or Brother Paul as he's fondly known, came to the shores of Malaya in 1934.

The gates of St Michael's Institution (SMI) in Ipoh welcomed him as a young teacher. He was only 18. In his final journey to his resting place, at the age of 80, hundreds of thousands turned out to pay their last respects to him.

Throughout his life journey of over 60 years in Malaysia, Brother Paul had seen the ravages of war and the turbulence of the ensuing Emergency. He had also seen the birth of a nation, as well as the transformation of a society.

Through it all, as an educator par excellence, he had touched the lives of millions and shaped the future of generations.

Brother Paul was born in Burma in 1920 as Robert Malcolm Rosario, hailing from Eurasian parentage. He came to Penang for his brotherhood training at only 14 years old.

After donning the Lasallian robe, he was given the name Brother Ultan Paul. As a Lasallian brother, he had to undertake the sacred vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. He also disavowed any salary throughout his entire dedicated career.

Regardless of race, language or religion, the Lasallian brothers always reach out to the last, the lost and the least. The Lasallian's advocacy for the dispossessed, disenchanted and discontented brings heart and hope to the neglected, subjugated and persecuted.

Over the century, the Lasallian schools have produced many luminaries. Among them are sultans, ministers, professors and doctors, as well as outstanding leaders and professionals.

Apart from spending a few years in St John in Kuala Lumpur, St Paul in Seremban and St Xavier in Penang, besides being a Brother-Visitor for East Asia, Brother Paul spent the rest of his life teaching in and heading St Michael's Institution (SMI). He perfectly personified the Michaelian spirit of sincerity, humility, integrity and personal piety.

Deeply spiritual, Brother Paul spent long hours with God, from whom he drew divine peace and guidance. He always managed to overcome his challenges and difficulties with magnanimity and equanimity.

Many have helmed the school, but none has left as great an impact or as deep an impression on the school and wider community. Brother Paul held the record as the longest serving headmaster of SMI for more than 20 years.

It is said that God chooses only a few to lead and gives them special gifts in order to do so. Suffice it to say, Brother Paul was richly endowed by God in his mission.

As his long-time deputy and ex-headmaster Brother Vincent Corkery puts it: "His gift was for people. All who came to him found ready welcome and the assurance of being fully understood, of being affirmed in their unique dignity and identity. One winning trait was his regular comment, 'Can I help you in any way?'"

SOFT POWER

As a school prefect, I remember how Brother Paul's warm smile and silent gaze would chasten, but not chastise, any errant student. They would immediately sober up and lower down their heads.

His dignified presence would instantly calm down any unruly or boisterous behaviour. It was an emphatic demonstration of his formidable "soft power".

This adroit exercise of governmentality was his imprimatur for the installation of a positive identity and subjectivity among the school community.

Brother Paul was also given the gift of languages. He could speak eight languages fluently.

Latin, as everyone knows, is a strange and forbidding language. However, he taught it so well that he earned rare praises from Her Majesty's School Inspectors in 1954.

He had also taught French passionately to many students. During the war, his command of Japanese helped him to defuse several potential incidents involving his captors and colleagues.

During his speeches and messages, Brother Paul often impressed us with his exquisite command of the English language — with a Shakespearean bent.

For instance, he once warned us of how modern life's amenities might tempt us to become "mockery kings of snow" for "the world is still deceived with ornament".

Brother Paul's grasp of the complexities and subtleties of the Chinese language helped him to decipher the meaning of our names.

For instance, one of my friend's name was May Ling, which he described as a "beautiful spirit" but with a powerful saga. He regaled us with the story of Mei-ling, the youngest of the "Three Soong Sisters" in China during the war.

RISING FROM THE ASHES

During the war, SMI bore the brunt of Japanese attacks as the retreating British regiments were billeted there with their weapons.

Japanese airplanes bombed a British ammunition train at the nearby Ipoh railway station. The resulting explosions, which lasted for three days, scattered fragments into SMI, causing extensive damage.

The school was used by the feared Kempetai as their headquarters to conduct gruesome tortures and interrogation. The Tiger of Malaya, General Tomoyuki Yamashita, also conducted his secret meetings there.

There were several deep underground tunnels which were sealed up after the war. As students, we often wondered whether Yamashita's treasure or old skeletons were hidden in them.

We heard stories of ghost sightings, including that of a headless brother praying, and eerie wailings in the middle of the night. I recall our junior scouts and prefects would not dare to go to the toilet during their overnight camps.

After the war, Brother Paul led tirelessly in the reconstruction effort of the school building. The grand facade and the new wing were finally completed with great effort and much pride.

Brother Vincent described it as "a thing of beauty, a joy forever". The first batch of graduating post-war students in 1946 did exceptionally well. St Michael was like the proverbial phoenix rising from its ashes.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Being multi-talented, Brother Paul was active in many things, namely sports, plays and concerts. As the soccer master, he inspired his team to many victories.

He also played the double bass for the school orchestra and staged several highly acclaimed plays. Through his strong support, the Scout troop and Interact Club emerged among the best in the country.

Brother Paul fully appreciated aesthetic beauty and its educational impact. The two endearing sculptures in the school, Paterfamilias and Falconer, symbolise the endearing bond between the child and parent or student and teacher.

They were created by the indefatigable Brother Joseph McNally, the former headmaster of St John's Institution (KL) and founder of Lasalle Arts College in Singapore.

Despite his busy schedule, Brother Paul always found time to lend his support to staff and students during games, plays and concerts.

His remarkable ability to juggle the multiple roles and tasks while maintaining his dignified calm and charm remain a mystery.

What was most endearing about Brother Paul was his "heart to heart" talk with each and every student. He would enquire about our family, hobbies and ambition.

He would read and mark the personal reflection of everyone, which was a gargantuan task involving almost 2000 students.

His dedication and personal touch left an indelible impression on all Michaelians (SMI's students).

Major (R) Datuk Salehuddin Mutalib recounted: "I came from a large and poor family. Brother Paul helped to pay for my school fees and even bought food for me. He also gave me daily tuition after school."

Meanwhile, Angeline Lazaroo commented: "More than being a principal, Brother Paul was a friend who always kept his door open to us."

Liew Swee Fong, the principal of Ave Maria Convent, fondly described Brother Paul as the "fragrance that clings onto the hand that gives the rose."

Personally, I am heartened by Brother Paul's perseverance and intellectual curiosity. When my mother passed away after her long battle with cancer, I was initially broken-hearted.

However, later, I was encouraged by how Brother Paul overcame the sad loss of his own beloved mother and his poor health by dedicating himself to a noble purpose and higher calling. This inspired me on my personal odyssey to complete my PhD and become an educator.

ILLUSTRIOUS ALUMNI

Similarly, Brother Paul had also inspired countless Michaelians to greater heights of achievements. There was indeed a blossoming of a thousand talents.

In the business world, Tan Sri Lee Loy Seng and Tan Sri Lee Oi Lian are successful entrepreneurs renowned for their philanthropy.

Meanwhile, in politics, Michaelians who served as government ministers include Tan Sri Lim Keng Yaik, Datuk Paul Leong and Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

There have also been many outstanding academicians, which include Professor Lin See-Yan (pro-chancellor of UTM and Sunway University), the late Khoo Kay Khim (emeritus professor, Universiti Malaya) and Yeoh Ghim Seng (former acting president and speaker of Singapore parliament).

In the sporting arena, meanwhile, who can forget our indomitable badminton heroes like Datuk Ng Boon Bee and Datuk Tan Yee Khan? They helped Malaysia to achieve memorable Thomas cup victories in the 1960s.

Other illustrious Michaelians include Tan Sri Ismail Omar (former inspector-general of police and ex-chairman of New Straits Times), Datuk Ahmad Ridzuan (former chief executive officer of Media Prima), Mariam Mokhtar (social activist) as well as Archbishop Gregory Yong of Singapore.

The Old Michaelian Association (OMA) is being led tirelessly by Messrs Adrian Tsen, Thomas Wong, Michael Lip and Lip Seng Chiew.

Reeling off the list even further, Michaelians who returned to lead SMI include Madam Loh Wei Seng and Messrs Louis Rozario and Timothy Chee. Similarly, the present principal, Sit Wai Yin, is inspiring his staff and students with his dynamic leadership and excellent guidance.

During Brother Paul's funeral, nearly the entire Ipoh city turned out to bid their final farewell to him. There was an unprecedented and spontaneous outpouring of emotion for a true gentleman and dedicated leader.

Tan Sri Lee Oi Lian shared with us a biblical quote in conclusion: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit".

Indeed, Brother Paul's life had enriched millions and inspired generations. Like the biblical wheat, it continues to touch Michaelians throughout the world today.

AN ODE TO BROTHER PAUL

Our Brother Paul, oh so dear!

He gave his life to us, year after year

His touch and presence so endearing

His legacy and impression were enduring

Brother Paul's mission and vision were legendary

His commitments and achievements were extraordinary

He led his life so humble and dignified

A true leader and gentleman, he perfectly personified

Selflessly and tirelessly, he committed his life to education

He laid the foundation and taught a whole generation

Every day, he worked from morning til late at night

To meet everyone and put everything right

We are indebted to his devotion and affection

Over 60 long years, it filled us with deep admiration and

appreciation

As a beacon, he showered us his illumination and inspiration

We have all gained from his perspiration and dedication

Brother Paul was close to God in his daily loving worship

He sought divine blessings for his mentorship and leadership

God has blessed our Brother Paul with many talents

There is nobody who was his equivalent

He was an active sportsman and musician

His plays and concerts often received standing ovation

He served with unfailing passion and distinction

He's always full of conviction and compassion

Beyond our school, Brother Paul also made a major contribution

Many folks had benefited from his wisdom and inspiration

During his funeral procession around Ipoh city

Countless thousands came to honour his humility and sincerity

Although he had passed on twenty-one years ago

The memories and impression of him will never grow old

Our dear Brother Paul, please Rest in Peace

You shall always be remembered and be missed!

Gary Lit Ying Loong is a retired academic from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. He's presently a visiting professor to universities in Asia and Europe. Reach him at garylit33@gmail.com.

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