MUADZAM SHAH: Never in their wildest dreams did the teachers and pupils at SK Kedaik think they would get the opportunity to meet United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Paul W. Jones, in person.
Jones took time from his visit to Pahang on Thursday to drop by the school, which is the largest Orang Asli school in the country with an enrolment of 634 pupils.
Accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to the US, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, Jones was greeted by Kampung Kedaik Tok Batin (village head) Boo Hsuan, who presented them with traditional headgear and sashes made from coconut leaves.
As he walked past the Orang Asli pupils, who had lined up both sides of the road to greet him, the children looked nervous and were quite hesitant to greet him.
But as Jones mingled with the children, they began to feel more comfortable, with a Year Two pupil stepping forward and wishing him "welcome, sir".
Smiling, Jones replied: "Thank you children. You speak good English. Hebat (excellent)!"
Eight Year Five pupils also performed sewang, a traditional Orang Asli dance.
After being briefed on the school, which was opened by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1990, Jones visited the the pre-schoolers.
The children, aged between 4 and 6, were thrilled to meet Jones and excitedly showed him the activities they took part in at school.
Speaking later, Jones said it was his first visit to a native school in Malaysia and was impressed with their interest in speaking English.
"I have been to other schools in Perak and Terengganu but mingling with a much younger group has been special," he said.
Headmaster Mahizan Aziz said the Orang Asli parents were also excited as foreign visitors seldom visited the school, which is about 180km from Kuantan.
Before Jones left, the teachers took the opportunity to have their pictures taken with him.
(Dipetik daripada http://www.nst.com.my/)
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(Sumber : Sinar Harian)
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