Meeting Da

I went to a bank at Jalan Tun Razak this afternoon to do some 'banking' transactions. I felt hungry so I went to the canteen which was situated at the sixth floor. Took some 'lauk' and a little bit of rice with my favourite 'teh Boh tarik panas' , seated by the window, which gave me a perfect view of the Twin Towers and a satisfying scene on the Genting Highland Resort. Then at the very moment, someone slipped into the corner of my eye.

"Oh Da...long time no see. How are you?"
"Oh Boh..fine , thank you. You look the same you. I could see no change in you since 3 years ago."

I took that as a compliment and thanked her. I asked her to join me since she was looking for a place to sit to have her lunch. How time has flown. I got to know her since 1990 when I was looking for a dealer representative. What turned to be a surprise for us was that I got to know her father too, when I was a student. You see, those days, we students were very nosy and had no internet, afraid which way Malaysia would go after being at the crossroad in the world of economy uncertainty and the Ayatollah's worldwide influence after the US was then regarded a 'pariah'. The US was like a lost sheep, their companies then were bailed by the Japanese, their Government almost paralysed by defeats in Vietnam and later Iran , the Russian's gain in Afghanistan, the world's economy suffered a deflation and recession after the Black Monday's Stock Debacle . The local political scenario was uncertain, especially the split in UMNO into two factions led by Dr M and Ku Li and the local economy wasn't any better. As students, we would invite politicians to enlighten us or at least to add colours to the otherwise dull recession mood and the latest political developments. That's how I got to know her father, who was then an UMNO MP from Johore.

As suave as her father, Da must have developed the traits from her father. She is approachable, liberal, diplomatic, widely read and her US education made her a shoulder higher than most normal person. No wonder she is now a president of one of the lobby group. In fact, I was shocked to know that one of the rule as regards to announcement of public companies' quarterly financial status every year was from a discussion between she and me. She was the one who brought the matter to the attention of the SC. From there I knew she indeed has the muscle in lobbying.

"So, how's your kids doing now?" I asked next, as what most Malaysians who do cordially.
"Fine and alhamdudilah they are progressing well in their studies. My eldest son will be going to UK to study Business Studies. Actually his dad wanted him to study Engineering in US as he is a Science student. Luckily he got a straight 11 A's in the SPM result and got a Petronas scholarship. " Da told me.
"Wah.. congrats to you-lah. So lucky. How I envy you? " I really felt happy for her. After all she is one of the few whom I knew and could share ideals and envy with.
"Thanks-lah. Really nasib baik. " she humbly answered.
"Must have pulled some cable or what?" I added some spice in my words after eating a chilli.
"No-lah.. no pulling. He is really lucky. You see , actually last time I went to beg, I repeat beg for some favours...but felt regret and upset after getting the project. The project which appeared good at first instance, turned topsy-turvy and caused unhappiness to our family life. My hubby told me to stop all these and we started fresh again in our business. Now we are happier and need not heed to those so called masters."
"Oh..I see what you mean." I need not go on to sensitive issues.
"Actually, last year my son was in one of the TOP premier school in KL. That school was attended by sons of top guns in political and business sector. Shit, just because I am only a small businessperson, my kid was often made fun of and bullied by the rich kids. I prayed to God and hoped my son would tolerate them and endure through after the SPM. Unfortunately, he could not take those slappings and ridicules from them. He performed poorly in his test. I pulled him out, sent him to the normal day school. He was happier and improved in his studies by leaps and bounds. Early this year I pulled out the second son from another boarding school. " Da explained.
" So why didn't inform the Education Ministry about the bullying? " I asked.
" You know what the consequence would be, don't you?" she replied as she knew that I was once in the teaching profession for a brief period before.
"I thought your case may be different. You have some clout." I said still biting the sambal bilis in my mouth.
"I am only a ikan bilis-lah. Those bullies are tenggiri and tuna. So what if I raise hell in that premier school. My son would still be unhappy there. Then I will make enemies. That's the last thing I want in my mind. Those kids may be somebody in future. Why steer the hornet's nest?" She woke me up with that statement.
" Like that those holligans will reign terror in future considering that they only students now. I bet they would like to be maharaja when they taste power in future." I rubbed in.
" I'm not worried by that. See we are Muslim. The living in this world is temporary. God is watching from above. Those holigans will be adjudged accordingly on Judgement Day. In fact they may get their balasan soon. I see a lot of those top guns in deep soup now. " She spoke with clarity. She had also finished her food.
"Oh I see." I digested her words. Just then her husband walked towards us.
We shook our hands together and exchanged the normal greetings. Da got up and then excused herself. She passed me her name-card and reminded me. "Do call me, okay."
"Okay.' I replied as I passed her my card to her.

I sat down again drinking the "Teh Boh Tarik Panas" which is no longer panas and still reminiscing those words Da have spoken. I gave a thought again if Malaysia is now at another cross-road.