An ode to the selfless

 Malaysians should know how blessed we are and be grateful for our nation’s unity in diversity.

From P Kamalanathan

Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah’s recent recollection of her family’s relationship with four gentlemen of Indian descent came as an inspiration to me.

In a Facebook post on April 25, the Queen of Malaysia recalled how physicians Dr Subramanyam Balan and Dr Singaraveloo, former aide-de-camp to the Sultan of Johor Sugumaran and palace official Mohan had touched her heart.

It is a timely reminder to all Malaysians that our strength comes from our unity and mutual respect. Malaysians sometimes forget how blessed we are, and how grateful we should be, for our nation’s unity in diversity.

This also led me to reflect on some individuals who are not related to me by blood, race, or religion but nevertheless played a pivotal role in my growth, and they did it out of the kindness of their hearts and a sense of duty to do what is right.

They looked beyond skin colour and ethnicity and helped me without expectation, except for my growth and success. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Among those who really touched me was Wong Choong Meng, my boss at my first job in the city. For a young man from a small town like Rawang, working in Kuala Lumpur was a big and slightly unnerving experience.

Wong was a strict disciplinarian but never hesitated to ensure that every one of his staff was treated with dignity and respect.

He was also very caring and empathetic towards his charges.

On occasions when we had to be in the office to attend to emergencies on Saturdays, he would walk over to each and every one of us, notepad in hand, to ask us to write down what we would like for breakfast. It was always his treat.

The fact that he didn’t actually have to do that but did so anyway out of appreciation and dignity, really struck a chord in me. I felt that if I were ever a leader, Wong would be the one I would emulate.

His influence on me still resonates today, and I’m very grateful for his role in sculpting a young man’s aspiration for leadership.

Another person is Bing Selamat Amir, a teacher at SK Sinaran Budi in Rawang. Even before I became his pupil, I was mesmerised by his command of Bahasa Melayu whenever I walked past his class.

When I finally started attending his classes in Standard Six, my parents appealed to him to help me master the national language. He went above and beyond to ensure that he was very thorough whenever I was in his class. His teaching techniques went a long way in aiding me.

Today, when someone compliments me for my command of Bahasa Melayu, I know those tributes belong to Cikgu Bing and his steely dedication to teaching this young boy.

The fact that Cikgu Bing also doubled up as a sports newscaster on RTM made me even prouder to have come under his tutelage.

When I was working in a cement factory his wife Tisa Taha, who was my boss, guided me to become the best that I could be, always encouraging me to strive and work harder to achieve greater success.

This couple also took the time and trouble to guide me with the simple universal value of helping for the joy of helping, with no expectations. Thank you very much to both of you.

I am very blessed to have many more stories of selfless individuals who have been instrumental in guiding and helping me grow and work hard.

We, as Malaysians, should take heed of the very timely and profound advice of Her Majesty, and I humbly include my grateful thanks for her guidance during these, sometimes challenging, times. - FMT

P Kamalanathan is chairman of the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia.

The views expressed here are entirely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.