BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 30 — The spirit of Merdeka is not merely about flying the Jalur Gemilang, but is reflected in Malaysians’ commitment to upholding humanitarian values, helping one another and creating opportunities for those in need.
Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim said this was evident in the efforts of his two foster children, Gabriel Ooi and Sandira, to help 17-year-old Nabila, who had to drop out of school after her mother fell ill and lost her source of income.
“Although Ooi and Sandira are of different races and religions, they joined forces to help Nabila continue her education.
“They put humanity first despite their differences in race and religion, and were willing to step forward to help Nabila. That is the spirit of Merdeka, Malaysians standing together for a shared future,” he said in a Facebook post today.
The Bukit Mertajam MP said the story began about two weeks ago when Ooi sent him a WhatsApp message seeking help.
Sim said Ooi had completed his studies while Sandira is still studying at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and despite their differences in race and religion, they are as close as siblings.
He said the two had been looking for ways to enable Nabila to resume her education and eventually found a TVET college in Sik, Kedah, which provides hostel accommodation.
According to him, the hostel resolved one of the main challenges faced by Nabila and her family, namely the lack of transport to commute to college.
After obtaining Nabila and her family’s consent, they enrolled her at the college, where she is scheduled to begin her studies next week.
“Nabila had been living with her grandparents since her mother fell ill about four years ago. When her mother lost her source of income, they had to return to their hometown and live with Nabila’s grandparents.
“Prolonged financial difficulties forced Nabila to drop out of school, preventing her from continuing her education. I also sought permission from her mother, grandfather and grandmother to take her in as my foster child, and pledged to cover all her expenses until she completes her studies,” he said after visiting the family.
Sim said he hoped that when Nabila succeeds in future, she would not only be able to help her family but also follow the example of his other foster children by caring for others and always being willing to lend a helping hand.
He said that as the country prepares to celebrate the 69th National Day, the story of Ooi and Sandira serves as an example that patriotism should not be measured solely through symbols or celebrations, but through Malaysians’ willingness to help one another. — Bernama
