To my beloved Ongki – remembering my grandfather, Tun Dr Ahmad Sarji

Ongki and the love of his life, wife Toh Puan Sagiyah Salikin, with the letter writer's daughter, Acelya Iman Sufiz. — Photo provided

Tun Dr Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid was a highly regarded figure in the Malaysian civil service and served, among other positions, as the Chief Secretary to the Government (1990-1996). He was 82 when he passed away on Aug 28, 2021.

Upon receiving this message at 11.41am on Tuesday, Aug 3, 2021, I remember being in complete shock and disbelief. A million thoughts crossed my mind but never did I think that you would leave us for this reason. Perhaps it was the unwavering belief that you would make it through this cruel illness as you had overcome countless health concerns before, or perhaps it was my brief denial of the fact that your time here on earth was coming to a close. Whatever it was, I had thought of you as invincible although I very well know that if there's anything that's certain in life, it's death.