Happy Deepavali

NOV 5 — I rushed back from Galas and arrived 2am this morning. I made a final round in Kampong Baru last evening of the campaign. Prior to that, I was in press conference with Lim Kit Siang at the DAP headquarters in Pekan Lama.

The PC was about Ali Rustam’s wild accusation that Kit Siang had called Malays who don’t vote for PAS, infidels! Kit Siang refuted and demanded an apology for a simple reason: He didn’t say it and he was not even at the place where he was accused of uttering it.

After the PC, I told Kit Siang how ironic the accusations were, when PAS had long abandoned the issue of “Kafir Mengkafir”. I was also given the chance to speak on behalf of PAS and told the reporters that Umno was desperate in coming up with these claims, with the intention of creating hatred among the races in this country.

Later, I went around the Kampong Baru area in the last-minute bid to gain support, accompanied by PAS members from Tanah Merah. Halfway through the walkabout, we bumped into group of Barisan Nasional Youth, led by YB Khairy Jamaluddin.

It so happened we were canvassing the same house. There, I shook his hand wished him luck for the campaign. As the cameras focussed on us, I even invited to drop by if he ever came to Parit Buntar. He promised me he would, if he does. We then parted ways and I went on with the campaign.

Nearby, there was a group of young Chinese ladies wearing 1 Malaysia T-shirts. I waved at them and we took pictures in a very jovial mood. I was the thorn among the roses.

Shortly after, my assistant in Parit Buntar called and reminded me about a scheduled Deepavali hamper distribution programme for the poor and needy. I rushed back after prayers and it was raining heavily during our trip home to Parit Buntar.

Tired, I then went to sleep while my driver, Abang Din, drove along the hilly Gua Musang-Simpang Pulai highway. By the time I woke up, we were already in Bukit Gantang. I came home and slept more, while dreaming about how Galas might turn out.

On November 4, I got up early and, together with my wife, went jogging at Dataran Sungai Kerian. I was looking forward to the programme since it would give me chance to meet my Indian voters, especially the needy ones.

At the office, Aschin (don’t get confused, he’s an Indian) was ready to take us to the houses where we would distribute the Deepavali hampers. Aschin was our JKKK when Pakatan was in power in Perak so he knew most of the Indian families that were in need.

I got dressed in my white kurtas, the Indians believed white is sacred and pure (so do most of us), as I wanted to share that value today. There were few houses I visited which deeply moved me.

One belonged to an old lady, already 94, who wanted to come out from her room and meet me. I took her hand and sat beside her as she greeted and started telling me about her family and age; she already has great-great grandchildren.

She held my hand tight and repeatedly thanked me for the humble Deepavali gift I gave her. It was touching to see her manner. And that she still could listen and speak fluently at that age was amazing to me; I don’t know if I will get to live that long.

Another lady I met was a single mother whose husband had left her after they were blessed with eight kids about 15 years ago. She brought up her children by doing chores to make ends meet. I called all of her kids and told them how brave their mother was to have raised them so, to have suffered the hardships for their sake.

I told them not to let her efforts go unrewarded. I urged them to treat their mother well and reward her by being the best they can be. I again praised her in their presence and told them that God rewards those who cared for their parents well. I wanted to give a better gift on Deepavali, so they can remember it forever.

In one of the houses I visited, I cried. The lady living there had kept her house tidy; I knew she was a lady of cleanliness. She had a cute, white and clean dog.

I asked her when her kids were coming back, as it was already Deepavali eve and the house seemed quiet. Here, she broke down in tears and told me that, for the past ten years, she has been spending Deepavali alone.

Her husband has died and, unfortunately, her children do not visit her. I spent a few moments with her to cheer her up, telling her to hope that one day her kids will come and see her. I knew I did not help her much but I was only voicing my sympathy to her.

I don’t know how her children could let their mother celebrate the festival of light alone. Light should be a joyous moment shared by all member of the family.

Just before I went to distribute the  Deepavali hampers to the poor, my youngest daughter, Manal, complained because we were due to go to KL to spend the holiday there.

I told her that I would take a little time with the poor for their Deepavali and would be back as soon as possible. She looked frustrated but I consoled her, saying that as a lawmaker, I had to look in on others, too.

It took few minutes to make her understand but as I made the visits to wish the poor Happy Deepavali, I realised in that moment that family is so important and wondered how the lonely mother will spend her Deepavali?

Anyway, Happy Deepavali to all my Hindus friends.

May the light bring you and the people of Malaysia great happiness and strength to win over the dark force!

* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.