THE MEMOIRS OF MUSTAPHA HUSSAIN - Malaysia Today

108 Memoirs of Mustapha Hussain
inclinations. Thus, Mr Mann left the task of recommending graduates to
different job openings to me. I take my hat off to the students. In the
absence of textbooks, reference material, facilities and amenities, they
were industrious and resourceful in their own ways to improve their
knowledge. I am proud to have been their teacher.
The hostel building consisted of four dormitories, two each for Malay
and non-Malay students. The furniture, produced by the government’s
carpentry shop, was very basic. Each student had a single plank bed, a
wooden chest for their clothes, a box and a mosquito net. Directly above
the eating hall was a Common Room, with a ping-pong table, chess and
draught sets. A cupboard at the rear overflowed with books, but not a single
one was political in nature. This was to be expected in colonised Malaya.
George Ernest Mann, First Principal of the Serdang School of
Agriculture
Mr Mann, a strict and highly disciplined Englishman, expected the same
traits of his students and colleagues. I am indebted to him for it was he
who taught me to be systematic, meticulous, analytical and organised in
my work. Although he was firm and stern, I had not provided him with
any opportunity to bully me. Many times, I refused tasks that I should
not have been given. That made him respect me.
Underneath his stiff front was a gentle, considerate man. Let me
quote an example. One morning, out of the blue, he came to see me in
my office. Everyone on the first floor held their breath; Mr Mann hardly
ever came upstairs. They were wondering, “Why is Mr Mann looking for
Enchik Mustapha so early in the morning?” After responding to my “Good
morning,” he sat down and asked, “What notes are you compiling now?”
Before I could explain, he fidgeted in his seat, and shortly after, muttered
something under his breath and walked out.
Without giving me any hint, two days later, several labourers carried
four new chairs, including a new working chair, into my office. I was
surprised to see this modern cane furniture with soft cushions. Because
the chair he had sat in in my office was uncomfortable, he guessed I was
just as uncomfortable, so he ordered new ones for me. This was just one
of many incidents when this very formal Englishman demonstrated that
I was no subordinate, but a fellow educator.
When Britain lost Singapore to the Japanese, I looked for Mr Mann
in several collection centres and camps. Had I met him, I would have
requested the Japanese to give him special treatment as he was my former
boss, as I then had a ‘certain’ connection with the Japanese. Mr Mann