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IT IS common for teachers of a school to feel gratified when a pupil becomes a well-known figure. But sometimes, it doesn't work that way.
After reading the profile of escaped detainee and Jemaah Islamiah terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari last
Sunday, I was surprised to learn that he is a former pupil of Kaki Bukit Primary School.
I started my teaching career there in 1964 and taught at the school for five years. The school building still stands today at Bedok Reservoir but it is now a drug rehabilitation centre.
Mas Selamat probably studied in Kaki Bukit Primary while I was teaching there. I did not teach him as I taught the upper classes when he started Primary 1 in 1968.
The pride and joy of seeing your students do well in their career is always a special feeling when you are a teacher.
Three of my former pupils, whom I dub my very own 'Charlie's Angels', are an example. They are my family friends now and featured in one of my earlier books, an autobiographical novel.
But, sadly, I doubt if any former teacher of Kaki Bukit Primary would feel proud that someone like Mas Selamat was part of the school.
As a Muslim, I feel sadder that he had planned acts that might cause distress, destruction and death, which are contrary to the teachings of the religion.
Shaik Kadir
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