THE FAREWELL ASSEMBLY FOR SOMEONE'S RETIREMENT - MINE

   14th DECEMBER 2023    ~ It was time to bid farewell to all my colleagues, staff and students of SMK Dato' Jaafar as my application for the early retirement was approved. Initially, I had requested the people in-charge not to go overboard - there should not be any costume for me, "pelamin" [the bridal stage for a Malay wedding reception] and definitely no sad songs. You know how they like to play Sudirman's song like "Pelangi Petang" and Shila Amzah's "Memori Tercipta".

Anyway, the farewell event was still a grand celebration which had involved a lot of time and energy [and money] to prepare. My sincere appreciation to those people who had worked hard for this special occasion.

Even the stage had been transformed into a glamorous work of art and I was deeply impressed. Now I had to sit on a swing and had to be timid throughout with the fear of falling backwards. 😀

the master of ceremony and the prayer reciter

speeches from the Principal and School Captain

Unfortunately, on that very day, I lost my voice and the farewell speech had to be cancelled. Not only that, I could not also sing songs for the crowd as planned. I had actually sent the karaoke video filed to the person in charge much earlier.

 

Two ex-students who were with me for Public Speaking and Debate Team, Mr. Aqil Indiya and Mr. Aiden Leo, were unexpectedly there too - to say good words about me which was really sweet of them to do that.

However, there were still students' performances entertain people in the hall.

The second last slot was the presentation of farewell gifts.

After 2 hours, then it was the send-off session and I had to bid everybody my "goodbyes" for the very last time. To make it more dramatic, there was a heavy downpour right at that moment.

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

Someone was kind enough to lend us her car to get me to my next venue for the lunch session.

As I bid SDJ farewell, I was actually [almost] at the end of the road. 

Thank you again each and every one for making this day a significant and unforgettable one in my life. Only God may repay all your hard work and kindness.