For a country that has become somewhat infamous for its fixation with race and religion - just as it has become famous for its addiction to roti canai and teh tarik - it was truly refreshing and reassuring, to see the nation’s Ruler recognizing and rewarding a humble security guard for her passion and diligence in serving the public, regardless of race, religion or social status.
True enough , there is a tendency amongst many people to point the finger at politicians as the “chief instigators” when it comes to dividing the rakyat with the double-edged sword of race and religion, but aren't ordinary citizens guilty of the crime too?
Incidentally, the security guard in question is a sprightly lady by the name of Yogeswary, 44, who works at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh and who went viral on social media early this year for her kindness in helping patients and visitors at the hospital parking lot; she was among the 298 recipients at the investiture ceremony held recently in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s birthday.
Madam Yogeswary, who hails from Gerik, Perak, had said that she willingly helps visitors and patients at the hospital even though it does not fall under her job scope, adding that the medal she received had boosted her spirits to continue assisting those in need; apparently, she helps visitors and patients in various ways including carrying things for them, controlling traffic flow at the parking lot, calming down anxious patients, and even conscientiously congratulating new mothers.
Deeply touched and encouraged by the Pingat Pangkuan Negara (PPN) awarded to her, she had expressed her appreciation to the Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimumah Iskandariah; she also went on to thank the public, her employer and her family for their continuous support; moreover, according to her, the unforgettable words "you deserve it" uttered by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had really brought great joy to her.
For the record, last March, NST had reported how Yogeswary’s act of kindness had first caught the attention of the then Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa who had thanked her for her commitment; subsequently, she received the Sejahtera Wanita Award (Safety Category) award from Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad in conjunction with the state-level Women's Day celebration.
In fact, even back then she was quoted as saying: “We don't always know what's going on with others. They could be struggling and suffering in silence. Your simple act of kindness could make all the difference in their lives." It was obvious from those words that she treated everyone the same, as fellow human beings - full of empathy and devoid of prejudice.
Unfortunately, not everyone is like her, with many in this multiracial country still addicted to viewing others through “racial and religious lens”; indeed, how many of us dare to place our hands over our hearts and confess that we have never boasted about our own “superior” race, culture, tradition, language and beliefs?
Perhaps, the sight of the humble security guard of Indian origin, in her black Malay kebaya dress, standing in the presence of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, should be a wake-up call to the people.
Indeed, it's people like them who are the “true patriots” of the country; come to think of it, for those who only brag about their own race, religion and culture, can they really claim they are “true Malaysians”?
Furthermore, shouldn't the great King's gesture to welcome an ordinary citizen (from a different race and faith) into his royal palace serve as a sobering reminder to everyone in the country, especially politicians and community leaders, that above all, the nation and its people are to always come first?
Primary Information Source: NST
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