Fadillah was yesterday reunited with Sister Ignatia Soon, who was the headmistress of Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mary in Sibu, Sarawak, throughout his six years in primary school.

Now 84, Soon met her former student at the Convent of Mary Immaculate in Kuching, where the federal minister was also welcomed by other nuns.

Soon was SK St Mary’s headmistress from 1968 to 1995, before she retired and started working at a Kuching church.

“I feel so happy and moved that after so long, I finally had the opportunity to have a reunion with my former headmistress in primary school.

“The meeting with Sister Ignatia Soon was very meaningful for me, having tried several times to organise this. I finally managed to meet her after successfully getting in touch with her.

“I deeply appreciate the efforts of the school principals and teachers who have contributed so much to my life. Thank you for all the knowledge and instruction you have imparted to me,” he said in a Facebook post.

Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, was accompanied by his wife, Ruziah Tahir.