The History of Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK)

MCKK is an icon and a source of pride for Kuala Kangsar. The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, popularly known as MCKK, is a premier all-boys boarding school in Malaysia.

The school is located in the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak. The school's motto, “Fiat Sapientia Virtus,” is in Latin, which means Wisdom is the Virtue of Man. MCKK was established in 1905 by the British upon the recommendation of Richard James Wilkinson, a colonial education officer at the time. The proposal was fully supported by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah I (1886—1916).

Initially, the school was established to educate and train the Malay elite, consisting of royalty. It was difficult for commoners to secure a place at the school during that time. Following the rise of Malay nationalism around 1947, admission requirements were relaxed, and more children from common backgrounds had the opportunity to study here.

Today, selected Malay students have the opportunity to pursue their secondary education at this school.

William Hargreaves, an Oxford University graduate from Ireland, had the honor of becoming the school's first principal, and the school was administered by British principals until 1965. Abdul Aziz Ismail, a Malay national, was appointed as principal in conjunction with the school's 60th anniversary, and to this day, the position has been held by Malay men.

There are three main sports fields at the school: the field in front of the Big School used for rugby, football, and cricket; the hockey field in front of the new dormitory; and a multipurpose field at the administration block. The school also houses the only Eton Fives court in Malaysia, which was restored by former MCKK students. Do you know about the game of Eton Fives? Watch the video below for a brief explanation.

All students at the school belong to one of four sports houses, each named after its original patron: Sulaiman, Ahmad, Mohd Shah, and Idris houses, represented by the colors red, black, yellow, and white, respectively. Throughout the school year, these sports houses compete in various activities, culminating in the annual Sports Day. The Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) holds a high reputation in sports and education in our country. Since 1960, the school has held an annual rugby match against Vajiravudh College, an elite school in Thailand. This match is held in Bangkok in even-numbered years and in Kuala Kangsar in odd-numbered years. Additionally, the school holds an annual sports championship with the Royal Military College, where both schools take turns hosting the event.

Tun Abdul Razak, Anwar Ibrahim, Hishammuddin Hussein, Rafizi Ramli, and many others are among the national political figures who are also former students of MCKK. MCKK has produced many caliber leaders in Malaysia!