STORY 1161: KUALA LUMPUR

Writer: BORNEO RIDER

About 13 years ago, one of my mentors, the Allahyarham Mohed Suratman, gave me advice that remains valuable to me today. At that time, he was a Visiting Engineer at the palm oil mill where I worked in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.

His gentle manner of speaking and fatherly nature earned my deepest respect. His words were always simple, precise, and meaningful, reflecting a man rich in knowledge and experience. He was also a former student of the Royal Military College.

Looking at my career record and potential, I imagined that one day I might be transferred to my company's headquarters in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

I shared my feelings with him. Honestly, I told him that I did not like big cities such as Kuala Lumpur. It was a place where everything seemed to move too fast, with people constantly rushing to chase something. The cost of living was high, and almost everything came with a price.

Life in a palm oil plantation was different. It was peaceful, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the people I met were mostly plantation and palm oil mill workers. I preferred that simple way of life.

I added that I would not mind living in Lahad Datu, even though it was only a small town. It was not as busy as Kuala Lumpur, and at that time, everything I needed was available there. I saw no reason to live in a big city.

He listened attentively to every word I said, remaining calm as he considered how best to advise a young engineer with strong opinions about his future.

After listening to my lengthy explanation, he finally spoke.

His answer was simple, yet profound. It made me reconsider how I might live my life in the decades ahead.

"Zul, you are right about your situation today. But one day, everything may change. Your children will grow up and enter university. You will also grow older, and one day, you may need medical care. Education is important, too. Naturally, we want to provide our children with the best possible education. And as you know, many universities are located in the Klang Valley."

That was the conversation I had with my former superior more than 13 years ago.

Several years later, I left the company. One of the reasons was that I did not want to be transferred to Kuala Lumpur.

But Allah had His own plans for me.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, I moved to Kuala Lumpur. Later, I returned to Sabah, only to find myself back in Kuala Lumpur again.

After spending decades living in palm oil plantations and the small town of Lahad Datu, my family and I eventually experienced life in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur.

My eldest daughter entered a matriculation college in Gambang, Pahang, before continuing her studies at a university in Gombak, Selangor.

My second child moved from MRSM Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens in Sandakan, Sabah, to MRSM Tun Dr. Ismail in Pontian, Johor.

My third child moved from Sekolah Menengah Sains Lahad Datu to a fully residential school in Negeri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, my two youngest children remained at home with their mother.

Every time I visited my children at their universities and schools, I remembered my mentor's advice about Kuala Lumpur.

I finally understood the wisdom behind his words. What mattered was not simply where I preferred to live, but what would best support my family's future. Access to education, medical facilities, and opportunities for my children had become important considerations.

Looking back, I am grateful that my mentor took the time to share his wisdom with me. He did not dismiss my preference for a quiet life. Instead, he encouraged me to look beyond my immediate circumstances and consider the responsibilities that lay ahead.

We should not judge the future solely through the eyes of our present circumstances.

Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from a few simple words spoken by someone with greater life experience. We may not fully understand their meaning at the time, but life eventually gives us the opportunity to appreciate their wisdom.

Thank you, Allahyarham Mohed Suratman. Your advice, given more than a decade ago, remains a meaningful part of my journey.

Some mentors leave us with more than knowledge. They leave us with wisdom that time helps us understand.

That is my story today.