Different faiths, but Deepavali still a time to be joyful, says five-time Mr Asia

A file picture of national bodybuilder Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, better known as Milke, with some of the trophies he has picked up.

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): We may be of different faiths, but a mother's blessings remain important, says national bodybuilder Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, who will be celebrating Deepavali with his mother, S.Neelavathi, on Sunday (Oct 27).

The 46-year-old from Kuala Lumpur, fondly known as Mike, embraced Islam when he was 19, but has not missed a single year of the Festival of Lights with his family since then.

"My family accepted me just the way I am. When I first converted to Islam, my mother accepted my new faith.

"She only asked ‘Why?’ and my answers convinced her and the family. They accepted it, so I have no reason to ‘leave’ them although our religions are different now.

"It is a pleasure for me to celebrate Deepavali and at the same time, I also observe Aidilfitri and Aidiladha. My family also celebrates my (Islamic) festivals, ” the three-time Mr Universe told Bernama.

On his plans Sunday, he will be visiting his mother in Taman Jaya Jaya, Cheras, after his daily training and then to Sungai Buloh to visit other relatives.

While Deepavali will surely feature sumptuous traditional treats and dishes, but when it comes to mom's cooking, however, Mike has to abstain as he is on a strict diet.

He has been on a sugar-free, fat-free and low-calorie diet since last May as he has set his sights to hold his fourth consecutive world champion title at the 11th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) World Championships in South Korea next month.

Mike, a five-time Mr Asia title winner, also expressed his gratefulness to be born as a Malaysian and believes there is no place better than Malaysia.

"The further you travel, the wider your perspective will be. If we don’t travel to other places, we would not value our own country so we would always find fault in it.

"As for me, I have travelled to several other countries to compete and I believe there is no place as harmonious as Malaysia.

"Malaysia has many different races and religions but we celebrate the differences. We are able to observe festivals from other faiths and cultures without dispute.

"It is just that I am a little disappointed with some current issues involving racial sentiments, these sort of things should not happen, ” he said, and called for the bond shared by Malaysians to be strengthened, especially during this festive season. - Bernama