PETALING JAYA: National Journalism Laureate Khalidah Adibah Amin is in stable condition, although she is physically weak and requires full-time care.
Adibah, the first woman to receive the prestigious award, suffered a stroke in 2008 and is living life as usual after no longer being able to walk since May 2024.
Her sister Khalilah Fadzilah Amin, 87, said apart from having diabetes, Adibah is weak due to age and could only sit in a wheelchair for a short period of time.
"If she sits in a wheelchair for a moment, maybe half an hour, then she'll get tired... There is no specific treatment.
The doctor just advised us to make sure she is comfortable and not force her to do something she is unable to do," Khalilah Fadzilah told Bernama at their home in Shah Alam.
"She is also no longer able to swallow food as usual because her throat is weak. Doctors are concerned that the food she swallowed could enter the lungs and cause pneumonia.
"Although her physical condition is getting weaker, Adibah still recognises close family members and individuals and is able to communicate even with a slow voice," she said.
Adibah, 90, has served as an editor with Star Media Group, News Straits Time and Berita Harian.
She is known as a columnist, educator and novelist and has formerly lectured at the Tunku Kurshiah College.
She was named the National Journalism Laureate in 2024 and has also received the SEA Write Award in 1991.
Khalilah Fadzilah said Adibah is currently being cared for full-time by a trained and experienced caretaker who ensures her daily needs are well taken care of.
Meanwhile, in recognition of her contributions, Adibah's family and friends will be hosting a special tribute night at the Majestic Hotel on April 12, including the relaunch of the special edition of her book "As I Was Passing", tribute sessions, video screenings and music performances.
A family friend, Lay Hua, said all proceeds from the event would be channelled to support Adibah's care, while preserving her legacy by awarding the "Adibah Amin Literary Prizes" to young writers.
Adibah's nephew, Amin Abdul Nasir Sulaiman Shakib, said the appreciation ceremony was important so that the younger generation would know her and her contributions to the world of writing.
Individuals or companies interested in becoming sponsors can contact adibahamin.tribute@gmail.com for more information.
