All in the family

Hand in hand: Ashraf says his parents’ (bottom, right) love and acceptance made all the difference for him. From left, Ashraf with his mother at his university graduation, and Ashraf in a radio interview. ­— ­Photos: SAM LIM/FRED FOO/ASHRAF

HE was a top student.

Upon completing secondary school, he was received by an institute of higher learning to embark on foundation in law. His parents, a fisherman and a food stall vendor from a small coastal village in Malaysia, were proud of and had high hopes for their bright son. With the good grades he consistently churned out, his future seemed sealed.