Mahmud School Alumni Programme

Tan Sri Dato Sri Abi Musa Asaari bin Mohamed Nor

Dato Yidris bin Abdullah







Al Marhum Sultan Mahmud Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Al-Muazam Shah of
Pahang (reigned 1914-1917) was born as Tun Mahmud on 4 February 1868. Sultan
Mahmud was the second Sultan of Pahang. His father had become the Bendahara of
Pahang in 1863 after defeating his elder brother Wan Muthahir in the Pahang Civil War
of 1857-1863. On the demise of Sultan Ahmad in 1914 Tengku Besar Mahmud was
proclaimed Sultan. His reign was short and he died at Kuala Pahang in 1917. Since he
had no heir, he was succeeded by his brother Sultan Abdullah Al-Mutasim Billah (1917-
1932).

First Headmaster of Mahmud School
Mr M.S. Nathan

School was established in March 1908 by Mr M.S. Nathan
who was the first Headmaster. The school enrolment was a mere 15 students and
Mr Nathan was the only teacher.

The School was then along Wayang Street. It was and partly financed by the
philanthropist Loke Yew who was then mining tin in Raub. He helped the running of
the school fiscally as well in other ways. In 1911 the Wayang Street site, which is
opposite Rashid’s Selamat Store today, was then Loke Yew’s Raub’s only cinema
which was converted into the school.

Then in the same year the school was moved to the site of the District
Education Office at the edge of Mason Road behind the present Ratha Restaurant.
It was moved as the cinema was rather unsuitable for a school so it was demolished
and a new building was erected at the junction of Jalan Mason and Temple Road.
The Government helped to fund the school building.

This building housed Mahmud School

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s father Arwah Mohammad was
transferred to oversee Mahmud School Raub some time in 1910. He was sent to
Raub to revive and pump life into the school and he managed to put it back on firmer
footing. Mr M.S. Nathan remained the headmaster.

Mr N Appadurai
In 1916 Mr N Appadurai became the headmaster, a dynamic personality. He

managed to get a Committee of Management to oversee the school. This was

headed by then the District Officer Mr A.S. Small. Mr Appadurai and the School
committee managed to get the school running smoothly.

In 1917 the school held its first School Sports day which was officiated by Mr
Small himself.

In 1923 the school became under the ambit of the Government and was named
Government English School under the supervision of the Government’s Board of
Inspectors.

1924 saw the first three school candidates sitting for the first Junior Cambridge
Certificate with two passing. The two students were Tan Ching Tin and Ti Cheng
Keng. Both gentlemen later became successful businessmen. Mr Tan Tin Ching was
the father of Mahmudians, Ms Tan Yu Lan who taught at Mahmud Primary and Tan
Yu Lee. The following year four Raub students took the same examinations.

The same year Mr. Appadurai introduced school societies, games and co-
curricular activities for the students. The first school magazine was published in
1926. Mahmud school won the very first Pahang Inter-Schools Football tournament
for the Sollis Cup beating the Kuantan English School.

It was during this time that the Chairman of the Board of Management, namely,
A.S. Small, followed by C.W.A. Sennet, N Coulson, J.S Macpherson and J.W.
Goldthorpe who all helped greatly to see the school through.

In 1928 Mahmud School was moved to a brand-new school building along Lipis
Road where the present site of SK Raub.

Mahmud School along Jalan Lipis



footballer Che Husin Che

Darus.

A School Presentation 1952

1948 Class with Mr Jeyarajasingam

1955 the School Hall and the Science building were opened.

Later in 1956 the former Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah atop that little hill was
converted into the Mahmud Boys Hostel to cater for students from Dong, Gali, Sega,
Cheroh and the surrounding rural precincts. This complex the hostel including the
house of Datin Alauyah Mohamad, was in service till the late 80s. This hostel saw
hundreds of successful students walk the corridors of the hostel.

Mahmud Primary School was established in 1956 and it shared the same
buildings at Jalan Tras. Then in 1962 it moved to its own school campus along Jalan
Cheroh where it proudly stands to this day. This is where our very own Tn Hj Ahmad
Fuad Ismail as the Headmaster transformed the school into a living vibrant
institution of learning.



The all-conquering Cricket team of 1954 with Barthasarathy, Singham,
Jaspal, Ramujam, Siva, Sivam,Jaspal and Sydney

Class of 1958 with Lim Ngor Hee, the school builder's son

1956 Mr Pillai with the School Prefects

In 1960 the school held mammoth school exhibition attended by over 5000
people. The exhibition was officiated by Arwah Tok Muda Hussein bin Tok Muda
Hasan, father to Azam Hussein and Makzan a retired Senior General Manager with
Bank Islam.

Late Mr. Murugesu egregiously brought about a very high standard of
disciplined and focussed vision to the school.

The Sultan then, Al Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar visited Mahmud School. An
incident that many know, is when our Sultan arrived that morning of the exhibition
and checked into the Royal Room at the Rest House ably run by the late Mr Leong.
He then rested awhile and wanted lunch at Sempalit Chicken Curry owned by our
Dr. Ragavan’s father. His Highness was aware that lunch was being served at
Mahmud School Hall but could not resist the temptations of Sempalit curry. His
Highness, refused to miss savouring Sempalit Chicken Curry so he proceeded to

Sempalit for a hearty lunch personally attended by late Mr Damodaran. His Highness
then proceeded as per programme to Mahmud School where he joined the
Headmaster, Mr Murugesu, late Mr. Eliathamby, the grandfather of our Ambassador
to Austria, Ganesh and his brother Nantha [Head boy of our school], who was then
the Chairman of the Mahmud’s Board of Governors, the Staff and VIPs to another
good lunch.

Mahmud Primary School with Mr Chan Chee Onn

The Prefects with Mr Baskaran and Mr John Wong also see Alumni Deputy President Siva

Tok Muda Hussein bin Tok Muda Hasan
Mr M Marimuthu

Tok Muda Hussein bin Tok Muda
Hasan. Arwah Hussein was Raub’s first Member of Parliament which he held with
distinction till his untimely death.
The late regaled Mr M Marimuthu [father of Manikam, Jeganathan and Geneson]
who had been with the board since then was another man of distinction. Another
outstanding gentleman of Raub who had his heart in our School

Krishnasamy, Chen Chin Fook & Ghandinesan, three luminaries may they Rest in Peace





Md Fakharuddin M Suddin
In the year 1984 Tuan Md Fakharuddin M Suddin helmed the school to greater

success. This was also the year when Professor S Sivachandralingam taught at his
alma mater for a stint.

Gan Boon Tai
Mr Gan Boon Tai was appointed Principal at Mahmud in 1986.

Tn Hj Ahmad Kamal b Abdul Hamid
Tn Hj Ahmad Kamal b Abdul Hamid was the first ex-student to take the school

reins as principal in 1989 to 1990.

1993 Pn Hjh Siti Zainab
The Year1993 saw the first lady principal being posted to the school, Puan

Hajar Siti Zainab bt Suboh.
Basketball has always been the forte of Mahmud with repeated successes.

The year 1993 again saw Wong Sow Foong being selected to the National team.
In 2018 Mahmud school saw Punniatarisini being awarded as the best student

in the STPM examination.

Pn Hjh Kamsiah bt Zainuddin 2013 – 2016
Another proud period in our school history when the second ex-student of

Mahmud was appointed Principal. This wonderful lady Hajar Kamsiah is with us
helping to get us all together today.

Tn Hj Rofiszan b Abdul Manaf
Tn Hj Rofiszan b Abdul Manaf created history who become the third ex-

student of Mahmud was appointed Principal.

Tuan Amirawa bin Merah
Today Mahmud School is under the able guidance and leadership of Tuan

Amirawa. We are sure he will bring our school to greater heights.

************************

The school is mighty proud to have two of
our ex-students in distinguished high
positions in Malaysia currently.

…………History of the School continued…………..
Mr P.Rajoo

A history of Mahmud School is never complete without the mention of the
most affable Mr P.Rajoo. Rajoo our senior laboratory assistant who has been with
the school since the 50s. He has not only witnessed Headmasters and Principals
come and go but has seen the school grow from its infancy. The much-loved Rajoo
always has a good word for every student he had come in contact with. In his
retirement he tends to his grandchildren and also his garden in Raub. Mr Rajoo not
merely saw the school grow but he also grew with the school. May he lead a Good
Life.

Mr Tan Eng Seng with the Raub Club in the background

Tok Muda Hussein bin Tok Muda Hasan family

Arwah Tok Muda Hussein bin Tok Muda Hasan, father to Azam Hussein and
Makzan was the quintessential gentleman who was Raub’s first member of
Parliament. He was a man of the people. He inculcated these values into his sons
who turned out to be such good gentlemen. He had all his sons schooled at Mahmud.
They turned out to be admirable men of the community. Hussein was a paragon of
exemplary behaviour.

Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie

Tan Sri Datuk’ Paduka Salehuddin bin Mohammed
a proud former student of Mahmud School helmed the

Malaysian Government Service

Tan Sri Datuk’ Paduka Salehuddin bin Mohammed

Mahmud School’s Grand Period
of Contribution to the Government Service

This is a fact that no school in Malaysia will be able to challenge
Mahmud School Raub.

An historical era which could be published in the Ripley’s Belief it or Not
or our very own Malaysia Book of Records when there was a unique honoured

period when there were three ex-Mahmudians holding the Ketua SetiaUsaha
Kerajaan positions all at same time.

• Tan Sri Dato Sri Abi Musa Asaari bim Mohamed Nor as Ketua SetiaUsaha
Kerajaan, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro based Industry from 2000 to
2006.

• Dato Leong Ah Hin as Ketua SetiaUsaha Kerajaan, Ministry of Science and
Technology from 2002 to 2004.

• Dato Yidris bin Abdullah as Ketua SetiaUsaha Kerajaan Ministry of Land
and Cooperatives from 2002 to 2003.

Mahmud School should be proud that at that particular time there were
three Mahmudians holding those positions concurrently and that was momentous.

Tan Sri Dato Sri Abi Musa Asaari bin Mohamed Nor

Tan Sri Abi Musa after 33 years of Government service, was privileged to be
able to contribute as Chairman of Lembaga Tabung Haji when it was at its peak
from 2007 to 2013. Tan Sri was Chairman of Lembaga Koko Malaysia from 2006 to
2012. He was also Chairman of University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) from 2007
to 2015. Today he is the Pro Chancellor of University Malaysia Pahang since 2019.
We salute you Sir!

Dato Leong Ah Heng Ketua SetiaUsaha

Kerajaan, Ministry of Science and Technology from 2002 to 2004. This was an honour

to Mahmud School.

Dato Yidris bin Abdullah

Dato was Ketua SetiaUsaha Kerajaan, Ministry of Land and Cooperatives from 2002
to 2003. He was from the class of 1966.
He was born in the Pahang Tua of Kg Merapoh Kuala Lipis. He was at Mahmud school
till 1967. On completion of his tertiary education Datuk entered Government service
as Assistant Secretary of Bahagian Pentadbiran Awam , Kem Pertahankan in 1972.
He returned to Pahang as Assistant Pegawai Daerah Temerloh from 1973 to 1975.

It was a very proud moment for all Mahmud School when Datuk became District
Officer Raub from 1980 to 1983. Datuk had a distinguished career in Government
Service from 1983 onwards. He was appointed Ketua Pengarah Tanah Galian
Persekutuan in 2001.
Then he reached the pinnacle of his profession when he was appointed Ketua
Setiausaha, Kementerian Tanah Dan Pembangunan Koperasi from 2001 to 2004.
In 2004 Datuk Yidris bin Abdullah became Penasihat Khas Tanah to the YAB Perdana
Menteri till his retirement from a distinguished career.

Leong Ah Heng the football star

The last Mahmud School Alumni 2016organised by the indominable Datuk Abu Hassan and Tuan Iskandar Putra
The Master Leader and Organiser

Phang Koon Tuck

Phang Koon Tuck, was the outstanding student from 1967. He was the first
and only Form 3 student to be appointed a school prefect at Mahmud. He is the son
of the late Mr Phang Kim another ex-student of Mahmud from the 30s.

Phang Koon Tat was inducted in to the Royal Military College Boys Wing after
Form 3. At RMC, Phang won the Commandant's Prize, awarded annually to the most
outstanding all-round cadet. Today he helms Sunway Education and he was
instrumental to bring the Monash University Campus to Sunway. As TS Abi says,
'Koon Tuck could have easily done much, much better', such was the talent of
another Mahmudian.

While in Form Two he represented the school in cricket, Captained the School
Under-15 football team to be State Champions, he was Champion athlete of the
Under-15 at athletics both at the School and the State Athletic Championship.

His father the late Mr Phang Khim was an illustrious student who turned his
education into the business field.

Clarence Samuel

Late Clarence Samuel. Clarence was always the life of the party from his
classroom days to his working career. He excelled in his management assignments
from the Oil and gas industry to Social Club management.

Clarence was the son of our late teacher Mrs G Samuel. Clarence was a
sportsman of class when in school. His dad, the late Mr. A Samuel was a great
cricketer himself who coached Clarence to represent Malaysia at cricket. Later he
was the vice-Captain of the Malaysian team. He had the honour of being selected to
play in the All-Stars team against English Country Yorkshire IX in 1983. His talent
strode into the crooning field of talentine too.

Dato Haji Salim Majid

Dato Hj Salim Abdul Majid from being an outstanding cultured student of
Mahmud Primary then, Sek. Men. Shahbandar and finally completed his school
education at Mahmud School. He ventured into the reality world of building palaces
and houses with his brother Ramlan. He became Pahang’s leading builder

establishing homes for the poor and rich. Today he stands heads and shoulders over
the rest in social service and charity work.

Ahmad Sujuk
A former Head Boy of outstanding quality who was among the first to be sent

to Brinsford to be trained as a teacher. Sujuk was first Malay boy to be honoured as
Mahmud School’s first King Scout, as well as the first in Pahang. Later Ahmad Sujak
became the headmaster of the SM Abu Bakar in Temerloh.

Saw Hock Seong
A leading cardiothoracic surgent in Southeast Asia. His medical prowess is well

known not only in Malaysia but in Singapore and Australia. He was also a student of
the Royal Military College before he left Mahmud.

Hooi Kee Seng
Hooi Kee Seng son of our teacher Mr Austin Hooi. Kee Seng was Professor of

Medicine at the University of Malaya before he went to spread his wings at
University Sains Malaysia.

Professor Dr Sundralingam R
Prof Sundralingam Ramanathan and sister Professor Nesamalar were both

lecturers at the University of Malaya. Another outstanding Mahmadian who rose to
the pinnacle of their field.

Jalil Abdul Rahman
Datuk Jalil Abdul Rahman was another outstanding Mahmudian. He retired as

a Director at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Kuala Lumpur after years of yeomen service
to the nation.

Chew Siew Yoke
Chew Siew Yoke, a former President of the Law Association of Malaya was

from the 1961 batch. A most outstanding lawyer.

George Ananda
Dr George Ananda was an excellent sportsman while at Mahmud School and

later in his career. George was the son our Mr Ananda a teacher at Mahmud. Dr.
George rose to become a leading Physician in Malaysia.

Lee Len Peng
This is a lady who put Mahmud School on the beauty map. She was ‘Miss

Malaysia Runners-up.’ Beginning from her school days in the 50s she was a head
turned. [sorry no photograph]

Rokiah Salim
Rokiah who hails from Ulu Gali was the charmer and heart throb of hundreds

in Raub. [again no photograph]

Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja
Assoc Professor Sivachandralingam rose from humble beginning as a student

at Mahmud School. From the TNB quarters came this Malaysian’s leading historian
who helped put Mahmud on the map. Prof Siva was the Head of Department of
History at University Malaya. His books and papers have been circulated as
authoritative reference throughout the world. His family all from Mahmud School is
overwhelmed by a brother Sivasuriyamoorthy [with MIDA] who graduated on the
same day as his brother from University Malaya. Prof Siva a man of multi-talent also
worked for a spell a teacher at Shahbandar. Today he towers in the field of Malaysian
History.

Yang Ahmad
Another great sporting product of Mahmud School, Yang Ahmad dominated

the field of athletics in Pahang. He swept the field from 100, 200, 400 metres and
1500 metres at the Pahang Combined School Meet in 1960.

Krishnasamy N

The late Mr. N Krishnasamy is possibly the greatest sportsmen to emerge from
the tracks of Mahmud School. He represented the Pahang State teams in Football
and Hockey over a period of many years. His speed packed with skills had him at the
forefront of winning trophies. He was also an outstanding sprinter who represented
Pahang at the All Malaysia Meet.

Samy was always dubbed as Raub’s “double International” for he was called up for
national trials on many occasions. Such were his qualities. He had passed on his skills
as a teacher at Mahmud Primary school to many of his protégé.

Cham Heng Lee

Ir Cham Heng Lee began life from the humble abode just outside the precinct
of our Mahmud School fence. A keen sportsman who represented our school at
football and Hockey went into the world of automobiles in Germany.

From the oily workshops of cars, he rose to be the Managing Director and CEO
of Federal Auto, the franchised distributer of Volvos. He helmed the Volvo world till
his retirement. He then went to China as the Master Advisor to China’s Geely Autos
and still remain an advisor. A generous person whose love for his alma mater
remains supreme through his generous help and donations.

Tan Yoke Sing

Dr. Tan Yoke Sing was extraordinaire of a student to hail from Mahmud!
Dr.Tan Yoke Sing was elected as the President of the Malaysian Dental Association
for the term 1997/98. He has also served MDA as Chairman of Past Presidents and
on their Charity Foundation Board of Trustees.
He was President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) for two terms (2010-2012). BIM is
an umbrella organisation for all professional bodies in Malaysia, including the
Malaysian Bar, MMA, MDA, PAM, IEM etc.

He was a Founding Director of Malaysia Service Providers Confederation
(MSPC). As their current Vice-President he plays a key role in enhancing their
competitive sustainability with the liberalisation of the sector under the ASEAN Free
Trade Agreement and the WTO.
An active Rotarian involved in social, welfare and charity work, he was President of
Subang Rotary Club in 1986/87.
In 1988, he was the Organising Chairman for the 80th Anniversary Celebration
Dinner of Mahmud School. The event was held at the Ballroom of Merlin Hotel,
Subang Jaya. With an attendance of over 600, of former Principals, teachers and
alumni, the occasion would go down as a grand success in our alumni’s records.

With the many feathers in his cap which he attributes and is proud to share with his
alma mater, Mahmud School.

Sivanesan K

A teacher by profession rose from an iconic family spanning three generations
in Raub. His family consisting of his sibilings, Mr.S. Pillai, Malaysian top Cricket
Umpire, late Mr. Ghadinesan an exceptional sportsman who could excel in any
sports, of the latter’s family.

The family lost Sundranesan very early. He was a budding sportsman who was
selected to represent the school cricket and football team under Mr Chan Chee Onn
then.

Sivanesan Kanapathipallai is from Mahmud School batch of 1967. An educator
who served as a teacher, then he went on to become was Senior Assistant in Petaling
Jaya and retired as a Principal in 2006 at SM Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya after a
very distinguished career in education.

Upon retirement Siva never rested on his laurels as he was roped in to serve
the sports world at the highest level. Hew as the Hon. Secretary of Squash Racquets
Association of Malaysia (2006 - 2009), then as Secretary General of Asian Squash
Federation (2010 - 2014) and finally as the Secretary General of Southeast Asian
Squash (2015 - 2019).

He served as the Technical Delegate or Championship Director in numerous
national and international squash Championships. Most proudly he was our Team
Manager of the Malaysian team to SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian and
World Squash Championships. This is most singular honour he has brought to our
School and Nation.

Siva had been the tournament director from 2006 to 2015 of the Malaysian
Squash Open where all the World top-ranking players converge. He managed these
tournaments to perfection which involved millions of ringgit. The Malaysian Squash
Open is the leading tournament in squash in the world today. He remains a man
devoted to Mahmud School and the alumni.

Mr Kanagarajah & Mrs E Vaz the oldest teachers with Cham Heng Lee and Datuk Dr Sukri
& a host of distinguished Mahmudians





We have put together a collection of some of our outstanding ex-students
who have brought fame to Mahmud School. [done in no particular order]
When the collection began it became a huge long list. A list far too many
to put on print. There were many who contributed in some small or big
way to the school which we just have no space to print.
We sincerely apologise if we missed out your name.

If we were to mention all the luminaries and success stories of
Mahmudians we will need volumes, as such is the success rate of ours!

But if we do not mention some, we would not be doing justice.

The Organisers wish all the very Best to our Mahmud School now ably led
by Pengetua Tuan Amirawa Merah, and GPK I Puan Nurhayati bt Jalar
To greater heights.
This short history of our school was compiled by the
Organising Committee of the Mahmud Alumni Reunion 2022.
We thank all those who contributed and helped and apologise
for the mistake ridden work.
A word of appreciation to our reference resources!
Further we apologise for any inadvertent mistake or error.

Thank You

Autograph

Autograph