Down To Earth Datuk

Quite recently I accompanied my youngest kid to his 'Hari Anugerah' held at his primary school. He received RM200 and a certificate for his 5A acheivement in the UPSR. The RM200 did not come from the school but the pocket of an old politician who was not even nominated as a candidate during the last PRU.

He did not attend the ceremony but his aide did. To him, I want to say thanks. He did not contest in the election and had never made himself a minister. He did not win up there, but in our hearts he surely did. These are some reasons.

I remember, a few years back in the same occassion I heard him giving a speech from far. He sounded just like a grandfather talking to parents. The way he expressed himself it seemed like he was very much concerned about children, education and their future. He had won my heart. Not anywhere in his speech I hear big, fancy national things. Passionately, he addressed the very core focus of parenthood and children. He gained no votes and not a YB. But he is my winner for making himself present along with the people. In the place where I live, his name is much said.

I saw him having meetings with his people. Its not a hotel but a roadside warong with teh tarik and pisang goreng. I saw his Datin one day when my friend showed me. She was just like another grandma, dressed like a normal person walking by the roadside, with her maid, and an umbrella in her hands. In case it rains, Datin. My heart just fell, she did not make a minister's wife.

I saw Datuk every friday in the mosque, not in the front row, not even in the main hall of the mosque. He prayed in the verandah together with us. Alone, he sat next to a wall, and I didn't know what he was thinking.

I saw Datuk watching a local football league. He made effort to stop by even for 10 minutes. Stood and watch with others. Shook hands with a few people whoever was close enough. He would leave alone after a while.

He is in contact with the people until today even if he is getting older. I will never get to know him because there is no reason to do so. Yet, I could not help noticing his presence. I never knew a very down to earth Datuk.

Datuk and Datin, may Allah bless you and your family.