JELI – A security guard at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jeli 2 was celebrated like a king on his retirement day, receiving more than 2,000 gifts from pupils and teachers.
Wahab Deris, 64, was honoured in an extraordinary ceremony last Friday, where he was paraded in two cars and seated on a special wedding-style stage.
The grand celebration was initiated by Headmistress Salmiah Mat Nawi, marking a rare occasion where such an event was held for a security guard instead of a teacher.
Wahab, who is from Kampung Kemang, said the ceremony was even more meaningful as he had the chance to sit on the stage with his wife, Zauwiyah Abdul Rani, 59, for the first time in their 43-year marriage.
The couple never had such a ceremony earlier due to financial hardship.
“Alhamdulillah, thank you to the headmistress, all the teachers and pupils who were willing to celebrate me in such a grand way on my retirement day.
“My wife and I were also very touched to be celebrated like newlyweds, and I felt shy having to sit on the stage in front of everyone,” he said.
As someone who had served the school for 12 years, Wahab described the moment as truly beautiful.
He said the affection and warm treatment he received from the school community were blessings from Allah.