OLAK reunion pays tribute to distinguished educator Datuk A.R. Peter

The Old Lasallian Association of Klang (OLAK) held a deeply meaningful reunion dinner last weekend at Top Glove Tower, Setia Alam, where alumni from multiple generations of La Salle Klang gathered to honour the late Datuk (Dato’) Anthony Reynolds “A.R.” Peter. The beloved educator, who served as a cornerstone of La Salle Klang’s leadership for many years, passed away on 23 August 2025 at the age of 87. The dinner served not only as a homecoming for former students but also as a posthumous tribute to a principal whose influence shaped decades of young Malaysians.

The evening was filled with nostalgia as former schoolmates reconnected, sharing stories of their formative years under Datuk Peter’s guidance. Many attendees reflected on his ability to balance firm discipline with genuine care — traits that left a lasting mark on thousands of students who passed through the school’s doors.

A career dedicated to excellence in education

Datuk A.R. Peter’s remarkable teaching and leadership journey spanned more than five decades, beginning in 1957. His training at Brinsford Lodge in the United Kingdom in 1959 proved to be a significant experience that strengthened his lifelong dedication to excellence, discipline, and holistic development. Fluent in several languages, including Russian, he earned admiration for his intellectual curiosity and broad worldview, qualities that informed his approach to education.

His service extended across several mission and Methodist institutions, including long tenures at La Salle Klang. He later became Principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Klang) and Wellesley/Wesley Methodist School, before assuming the principalship of Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) from 1994 to 2002. He subsequently served as CEO of the college until 2003 and later led SM Stella Maris, Kuala Lumpur. His career was marked by a commitment to shaping well-rounded individuals grounded in values and discipline.

Datuk Peter’s contributions were nationally recognised through the Tokoh Guru Selangor (1994) and Tokoh Guru Kebangsaan awards — honours that reflected his standing as one of Malaysia’s most respected educators. Many former students fondly remembered him as a leader who commanded respect through integrity and principle rather than authority alone.

Honouring a legacy that lives on

Among the initiatives that highlighted his progressive leadership at La Salle Klang was the establishment of the School Monitors Board in 1979. By approving this student-led body, he empowered young Lasallians with responsibility and leadership opportunities — a tradition that continues to flourish today. His legacy is also firmly etched in the Bilik Mesyuarat Datuk A.R. Peter at La Salle Klang, which stands as a permanent reminder of his service and dedication.

The reunion dinner also served a forward-looking purpose, with OLAK raising funds for school facility upgrades, including enhancements to the hall’s public address system and ventilation. Organisers emphasised that these efforts reflect the Lasallian tradition of giving back to the alma mater that shaped them.

Alumni involvement continues to grow, with OLAK President Ho King Min expressing confidence in the association’s future. With increasing participation from younger generations, he noted that the spirit of Lasallian brotherhood is poised to continue “for another 20 years and beyond.”