BUTTERWORTH: “It’s the best National Day gift,” said the mother of marathon swimmer Abdul Malik Mydin in describing her son’s historic feat.
Jorabi Seeni Mohamed, 63, expressed relief that her son had finally conquered the English Channel although some people had thought that it was a crazy act.
“He once told me that this kampung boy would one day swim kampung-style in the ocean and I’m not surprised that he kept to his word,” she said in recalling his childhood days.
Jorabi thanked Allah for her son’s achievement, saying it was the best gift, especially when the country was celebrating National Day this month.
The mother of six said she learnt of her son’s success over TV3’s Malaysia Hari Ini programme at about 8am.
 |
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Abdul Malik receiving a warm welcome from Malaysians and locals in Dover. |
“He has proven to us that no sea is wide enough if we have the determination to fulfil our dreams,” she said at her Bagan Lebai Tahir home here yesterday.
Jorabi said she had not stopped praying for her son's success after he told her about his intentions in 1999.
She said she advised Abdul Malik, who is her fourth child, not to give up easily because he was carrying the Malaysian flag, and he should make the nation proud of him.
“I also advised him to be wary of the sea and to pray to Allah for guidance.
“I also told him to leave his fate to Allah because we can only achieve success with His blessings,” she said.
Jorabi said Abdul Malik had called her on Saturday, telling her that he would start the marathon swim at about 1am on Sunday.
He had also asked for her blessings and asked her to pray for his success.
On Abdul Malik's childhood, Jorabi said her son would not hesitate to accept challenges and would never give up.
“When he was about 14, somebody challenged him to swim half of the North Channel which divides Penang island and Seberang Perai.
“He took the challenge and did it. When I scolded him, Abdul Malik explained that he wanted to prove to his friends that he could swim,” she said.
Jorabi said her son did not receive any formal swimming lessons when he was young but would go to the beach because their house was near the sea.
Did you find this article insightful?
