Thursday, May 10, 2007

CLOSE ENCOUNTER

24 Ramadhan 1424
Salam

I just met Mahathir at Pasar Ramadhan Precinct 8. Didn't know it was him at first. We were both buying something at the same stall. He was there on my left. I notice the shoes first. A pair of shinning black shoes. Then the trousers. It was dark grey.... a very dark grey... with a greenish touch. After that the bush jacket that matches the color. At that particular moment... deep inside... who would come to Pasar Ramadhan wearing these..... in the drizzling.... wet weather. His face was partially hidden by the baseball cap he was wearing. Dark blue in color. There was an emblem right in front of the cap. But I couldn't make what it was.
By now, I already recognized the face. A very familiar face. His face still facing downward or maybe it is because I am a little taller than he is. Then I saw a man standing by his side holding up an umbrella. A big brown umbrella... golf type most probably. Has to be his bodyguard or his driver at least. Yes... most probably his driver. The body does not suggest he is a bodyguard.
The man started turning right toward my direction when I greet him with a salam. He looked up a little bit and produced a smile. A very sincere smile. Never had his smile as nice as this one. More often than not, he smile to the crowd. He seems to be forced to smile. Or it was a PR smile should I call it. But this particular smile he gave me, this one is different. I will remember this one the most.I can't recall exactly, but if I am not mistaken... he offered his hand to me and I took it with a soft grip. Then we both put our hands to our hearts. I wanted to express my gratitude to all the good things he did for the country, but the words didn't came out.
The man continued his slow but steady steps away from me. He looks older now.... to my eyes. As he walks away, there were eyes noticing him but they were a little away from him. Allowing the man walking without halting. Well... at least for a while... in the drizzle.....in the wet weather.


Ramli AR


(I wrote this and sent it to my yahoo groups previously.)

The photos added on 27 Jamadil Awal 1428 upon receiving email (with the photos attached) from my friend. I am taking the liberty to publish them in my blog. If the owner do not approve this, please inform me and I shall remove them accordingly.


1 comment:

Bustaman said...

Let us pray that he leave Langkawi Hospital healthy.