*Reflection*
My late mom ( bless her departed soul) was a pre-school teacher. My mom also had a weekend job, working at Selangor Turf Club, manning the ticket booth, where punters would place their bets. Incidentally, I too while a Sixth Form student used to also work there.
At the Turf Club, we had to pass through the staff entrance where there were a couple of security guards to check the staff identity cards.
There was a Malay lady there working as a security guard. Just to digress, here is a question- can a Muslim work as a Security Guard at the Turf Club or Casino in today’s Malaysia ).
My mom would always say hello to the security guard and she in return would acknowledge with a smile. As time went by, my mom would always buy a packet of Nasi Goreng or Nasi Campur, a packet drink, and hand it over to her before passing the security barrier. There was only two words -“Makan” by my mom and she responding “terima kasih”. That slowly was the start of a life long friendship. My mom and the security guard, Maimun will without fail be calling each other over the phone, checking on each other ( sometimes even coming over ) and often have a long telephone chatter. They became each other’s close confidants, and shared so many personal matters ( and maybe even secrets ). They became life long friends, and that friendship continued even after my mom stopped working after some 30 years. As friends, my mom and Maimun was inseparable.
My mom, passed away in 2024. When news reached Maimun she was so distraught. Every night she was at the wake, even as prayers were conducted. That there were the Christian attributes- candles, holy picture and the prayers and songs did not bother her and was not an issue. If any she was distraught at the loss of her dear friend- my mom.
On the day of the funeral service, Maimun was at the church ( wearing Tudung),sitting quietly at the back and wiping away her tears. Maimun then followed to the crematorium and as the coffin was slowly lowered into the furnace, you could see the trembling lips, the tears and her her quietly weeping.
After the funeral service, I walked towards Maimun, held her hands to thank her and importantly to thank her for being my mom’s best friend. She turned to me and said “Norman, I just did not lose a friend. Today, a part of me also died.” To Maimun, my mom may not have been a sister of the same faith, but they were bonded as sisters in humanity.
When I first read proposed Non Muslims Event Guidelines for, I wondered if I would have fell foul or Maimun being hauled up for the transgression. Thank God, good sense prevailed and the proposed guidelines withdrawn . Imagine, had the Cabinet not agreed.
*Norman Fernandez*
7.2.25.
*My late mom, Margline Fernandez passed away on 27.1.24. May her soul rest in peace. Maimun still occasionally telephones and talks with me.
My Comments:
There is a huge disconnection between the political animals (binatang politik or ahli politik binatang) and the reality among the people on the ground.
The vast majority of people are just ordinary, simple and peace loving folks who go about their business. And what happens is everyday people see their neighbours minding their own business and just going about their own business. This creates what is known as 'familiarity'. Subconsciously your mind becomes 'familiar' with all aspects of your surroundings including observing your neighbours going about their own business. And the familiarity gives you a sense of security.
In 1982 I first landed in the United States to study at the university. There were few Malaysians or other Asians on that huge campus. The locals were generally super friendly but n'theless it was a different environment. Then suddenly it was Christmas time. Everywhere they were playing Christmas songs and jingle bells. Suddenly I felt so at home. Because we are so used to hearing Christmas music here in Malaysia. On radio, tv we would hear Christmas music around Christmas time.
It was the familiarity. And that familiarity gives you a sense of security because that familiarity that is part of your own psyche did not threaten you or cause you any harm.
Then we have the binatang politik. The political animals. They will sell their own daughters and mothers to make some money. It is always about money. They are seriously rabid. The veterinary department should have a solution.
