Amy reunites with daughter for Raya
BEING separated from a loved one is painful. And reunions, even if they come three years apart, make for a joyous occasion.
Amy of rock band Search, and his 19-year-old daughter, Irisha Myra Suhaimi, were reunited this Hari Raya Aidiliftri, and it was a bonding session that they have been looking forward to.
This reunion marked their second time celebrating Hari Raya together. The first was in 2014.
Irisha was 5 when she migrated to the United States (US) with her mother, Roslisa Ahmad (Amy’s former wife).
Visiting Kuala Lumpur every three years, Irisha, who is the second of five siblings, brings joy to Amy, who longs to spend time with her.
“While we do keep in touch, nothing beats spending time with my father in person. He’s the happiest when I visit him, and this year is no exception,” said Irisha recently.
Irisha is a finance student at the University of Houston in Texas, where she lives. Amy and Roslisa divorced when Irisha was 4.
“The last time I visited my father was three years ago. At the time, he wasn’t feeling well. He was resting when I came and he told me how happy he was to see me. This time around, he’s in great spirits, sharing his latest adventure, a sportscomedy where he leads 20 entertainers playing games with 20 sportsmen,” she said, adding that she would love to join him.
Irisha will return to the US on July 19 after spending 25 days in Kuala Lumpur.
She keeps in touch with Amy and her elder sister, actress Nabila Huda Suhaimi, via e-mail and social media.
Amy said catching up with Irisha was always fun because they always had a lot to share.
However, greeting Irisha upon her arrival in Malaysia had always made Amy overcome with emotion as he considers her his “long-lost girl”.
Amy calls Irisha his “most beautiful and No. 1 American fan” and is thankful to Roslisa for raising her well. “Every time she’s here, we visit the Klang Valley’s newest attractions. And, at home, I show her photos and videos of my work and Abil’s (Nabila).”
Even though Irisha lives far away, Amy is delighted that she is a Malaysian at heart as she shares his love for local music, films and cuisine.
Will Irisha follow in her father’s and sister’s footsteps and venture into the entertainment industry?
“I don’t think so. While I’m a big fan of my father, Abil and their work, I’m looking at a career in business and finance.
“I won’t mind having a small part in my sister’s films some day though,” said Irisha.