In the serene village of Acheh, Mukim Ganchong, Pekan, under the pre-dawn sky of a Thursday, on the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, November 23, 1923, Tuan Haji Sulaiman bin Mohd Tia was born. His entry into the world marked the beginning of a life that would be characterized by a gentle yet firm disposition, guiding him through the vicissitudes of life from his earliest days until his last.

The second child of Haji Mohd Tia bin Endut and Fatimah binti Mat Pin, Sulaiman's childhood was shaped by the absence of his father, who worked away from home, leaving the young boy in the care of his grandparents. This early experience of independence and responsibility became a cornerstone of his character.

At the tender age of eight, Sulaiman embarked on a journey that would define the course of his life. Leaving his village to join his father in Kuantan, he found himself alone in Galing when his father went to work. This journey of following his father's work from Galing to Kg Sungai Karang and then to Kg Sungai Ular, where his father worked as a land surveyor, instilled in Sulaiman a profound understanding of the value of education and hard work.

His life took a significant turn when, after a conversation between his father and a colleague, Jusoh bin Kadok, Sulaiman was moved to Lepar to live with his maternal uncle's family for the purpose of attending school. Under the guardianship of Tok Seman, his grandfather, he was enrolled in Sekolah Melayu Ulu Lepar in Kg Keledang in 1933. Despite starting a year late due to administrative delays, Sulaiman's determination to learn was unwavering, and he thrived in an educational setting that was modest yet rich in spirit.

Graduating from Sekolah Melayu darjah 5 in 1937, Sulaiman's commitment to education led him to become a teacher, or "guru pelatih," on January 1, 1938, with a modest salary of RM7 a month. His role as a teacher at Sekolah Ulu Lepar marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the empowerment of others through education.

In 1939, Sulaiman's journey took another pivotal turn when he was admitted to the Maktab Perguruan Tanjong Malim in Perak for further teacher training, despite initially being listed as an additional candidate beyond the required number. A chance encounter with the School Inspector, Mr. Bennet Priedy, while Sulaiman was in the hospital, led to an extraordinary opportunity that would change his life. Mr. Priedy's decision to allow Sulaiman to take the entrance examination under his authority exemplified the unexpected ways in which fate can intervene in one's life.

However, his training was cut short by the outbreak of the Second World War, and Sulaiman returned home, navigating a path through fear and uncertainty. During the Japanese occupation, he was instructed by the Japanese government to open a school and teach the Japanese language, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to education under even the most challenging circumstances.

Sulaiman's personal life flourished alongside his professional one. He married Hitam binti Mustaffa, the daughter of Tok Penghulu Ulu Lepar, and together they were blessed with eleven children, each of whom carried forward his legacy of resilience, education, and service.

Throughout his career, Sulaiman served in various schools, including Sekolah Kebangsaan Teruntum, Sekolah Kebangsaan Cherok Paloh, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Paya Bungor, where he began and concluded his illustrious career in education. His contributions extended beyond the classroom, involving significant charitable and welfare work, earning him the esteemed Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (P.J.K.) from the Sultan of Pahang on October 24, 1976.

Tuan Haji Sulaiman bin Mohd Tia's life story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and the world around them. Through his dedication to education, his commitment to his family, and his unwavering moral compass, he left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His legacy, enriched by the title of "Tokoh Keluarga," continues to inspire future generations to pursue their paths with humility, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Researched and penned by Razali bin Othman

October 2006