IPOH: For decades, Rabiyathul Basirah Jahan Khir enlightened students about the sacrifices that won the country her independence.
The former History teacher did not have a platform to keep doing so for the past four years, but stands firm in her belief that the lessons of the past must never be forgotten.
This national month, Rabiyathul hopes to spark patriotism within a different setting – over a plate of nasi kandar and a simple quiz on the nation’s history.
Cikgu Rabiya, as she is still known, will be offering free nasi kandar meals at Nasi Kandar Mydin Ali in Jalan Bijih Timah on Aug 22 from 11.30am.
“There are two conditions. Bring your MyKad and answer questions related to Merdeka.
“It is not just to enjoy a free meal but also to know about our country’s independence,” she said yesterday at the restaurant.
Opting for early retirement in 2022, Rabiyathul now runs the restaurant which belonged to her late father.
Helping the 49-year-old is husband Annuar Din Mohd Mydin, 50.
The family business was founded in the 1960s.
“We expect about 100 people to turn up. This is the first time we are doing it and the plan is to make it annual,” she added.
Rabiyathul said the quiz was to get more to learn about the nation’s history.
“Some of them, especially the younger generation, do not know enough about our past,” she added.
“My message to the people out there is simple, this is our homeland. It is our responsibility to preserve the peace and prosperity that they (people of the past) fought so hard to achieve.
“To the younger generation, especially students who don’t like history, I urge you to learn it.
“Understand where we came from because history is our national identity. Only when we know our past can we protect our future,” she said.
