Zambry’s wife: He inspires me

IPOH: Datin Saripah Zulkifli fell in love with her husband’s writings about education and breaking away from the cycle of poverty.

The 43-year old recalls how she used to read the Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir’s articles that were printed in the newspapers when she was a schoolgirl.

“He had not even entered university yet and they would publish his articles about education, the plight of Pangkor folk and how we should break from the cycle of poverty,” she said at their Taman Golf home yesterday.

“I fell in love with him because of his struggle. I really admire him. Even today, I keep his newspaper cuttings, you know?”

The media-shy Saripah said she would proudly show the articles to the couple’s five children – three girls and two boys – aged eight to 21.

Saripah married Dr Zambry, 47, in 1987 when she was 21 years old and he was 25.

Both are born and bred Pangkor folk. They have known each other since they were youngsters since Pangkor is “a small island.”

The two are the oldest among their siblings and they are children of fishermen who have experienced what it means to be poor.

When asked how and when they actually started dating, she laughs and blushes but declines to answer, adding that she would not even tell her children.

The former Universiti Islam Antarabangsa lecturer is quick to tell Perakians that she stands firmly with her man and is ready to help him in any official duties.

Now a full-time housewife, Saripah raised all five children single-handedly.

“I don’t have a maid. I can do it! No problem,” she adds energetically.

Saripah’s reaction to her husband being named the 11th mentri besar was one of total surprise as there had been no warning.

She said he had been with her at home when she heard the news on television but Dr Zambry only smiled.

“Datuk is very secretive, you know. Don’t worry, he can keep a secret,” she said.

Asked if Dr Zambry was a romantic person, Saripah replied “of course” before shyly admitting that he wrote her poems.

Her husband, who was at home in between official business, added that he loved to write something that allowed him to reflect himself and his feelings.

“She is one of my sources of strength,” said Dr Zambry with pride.