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JOHOR BAHRU - To fulfil her grandson’s dream of meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a grandmother rode a motorcycle through an oil palm estate, never expecting that the journey would become one of the child’s core memories.
Muhammad Afif Ikhwan, 9, who had long wished to meet his idol, not only managed to shake hands with the Prime Minister but was also invited onto the stage while Anwar was delivering his speech at a programme in Felda Palong Timur, Segamat, on Sunday.
Sharing the story, his grandmother Rosimah Mohammad, 58, said they travelled from Kampung Pudu, Segamat, by motorcycle for the opportunity to see the Prime Minister up close.
"Afif could hardly sleep because he was so excited thinking about meeting the Prime Minister. He was thrilled because he finally got to meet the person he has admired all this while,” she told Bernama when contacted.
Rosimah said upon arriving at the venue, she and her grandson stood near the path leading to the stage to allow Muhammad Afif to see the Prime Minister more closely.
She said when Anwar walked towards the stage while greeting members of the public, Muhammad Afif squeezed through the crowd to extend his hand.
"I never expected the Prime Minister to shake my grandson’s hand and then bring him onto the stage to accompany him while delivering his speech.
"At that moment, I could feel how surprised and happy Afif was,” she said, expressing her gratitude that her grandson’s dream had come true.
The story also caught Anwar’s attention after he was informed about the child’s wish.
Representing the Prime Minister, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, during a visit to Muhammad Afif’s home in Kampung Pudu, Segamat today, PKR deputy information chief Siti Aishah Shaik Ismail said the visit was made at Anwar’s request as a special gesture of appreciation.
"The contribution given during this visit was also at the Prime Minister’s request,” she said, adding that the gifts presented were a bicycle, school bag and a pair of shoes.
Siti Aishah said Rosimah also shared that Muhammad Afif still cherishes the memory, as he hugs the shirt he wore during his meeting with the Prime Minister every night. - BERNAMA