PETALING JAYA – The teaching fraternity mourned the death of Aloysius Mathews, the first secretary-general of the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP).
Mathews died yesterday at the age of 90. He leaves behind two children, Lisa and Lawrence, and two grandchildren.
He was appointed secretary-general at the formation of the NUTP on June 27, 1974.
NUTP went on to become the largest teachers’ union, with its membership exceeding 250,000.
Mathews became more prominent as chief regional coordinator of Education International for Asia Pacific from 1996 to 2013.
The largest educational movement in the world is pivotal in spearheading educational initiatives in developing nations, including eradicating child labour and creating awareness on the need for sustainable educational infrastructure and syllabi.
This includes programmes mooted by Mathews to rebuild educational infrastructure and rehabilitate the education sector in Banda Aceh following the devastating 2004 tsunami.
Education International general secretary David Edwards paid tribute to Mathews.
“Aloysius was one of Education International’s architects of the possible, a defender of the marginalised, a promoter of education for all, and a steady, organised, and unstoppable force for union rights and solidarity.
“He was a pillar of our movement in the region and beyond. I will always be grateful for his thoughtful counsel and wisdom. He will be long missed and remembered,” Edwards said.
NUTP secretary-general Wang Heng Suan, when contacted, said the union sent its deputy president and five staff members to visit the family of the deceased this morning.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that NUTP lost our brother Aloysius Mathews yesterday.
“He will always be remembered as a fierce advocate of trade union rights and for strengthening Education International and member organisations in the region.
“He was a great leader and well-respected secretary-general who was recognised by international organisations.
“We feel very sad to hear about his passing,” he told The Vibes, when contacted, today.
Wang also noted Mathews’ significant impact in Malaysia’s education system.
“He fought for equal pay for women who did not earn as much as men during his time, and he succeeded,” he said.
“There were also many other contributions such as the creation of medical protection for teachers.”
Wang said the late Mathews celebrated his 90th birthday last month.
He also noted Mathews later became education officer of the Malaysian Trade Unions Congress.
“He was also the coordinator of the WCOTP (World Confederation of Organisations in the Teaching Profession) for Asia Pacific.
“When WCOTP merged with IFFTU to form Education International, he became its chief coordinator.”
Jerome Fernandez, who led the Banda Aceh project, said he regarded Mathews as a friend and mentor.
“He was very passionate about social justice and this showed in his work and the programmes he formulated,” said Fernandez, who was once deputy president of NUTP.
Born in Trivandrum, India on May 9, 1932, Mathews grew up in Taiping.
He is also survived by four siblings.
Mathews’ funeral takes place at the Church of St Ignatius, Taman Mayang here on Thursday. His ashes will be interred at the family plot in Taiping. – The Vibes, July 19, 2022
