Heroic auxiliary cop gets award from TYT
GEORGE TOWN:
An auxiliary policeman who leapt off the second Penang bridge to save a woman has dedicated the Pingat Gagah Perwira (PGP) he received to Penangites.
“This is for the people. For Penang,” said 52-year-old Konst Zaidi Salleh after he was presented with the award by Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas during the first day of the investiture ceremony yesterday at Dewan Sri Pinang.
He added that it was an honour because it has been many years since such an award was given out.
On April 18, Konst Zaidi, who works with Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd, and his partner responded to an emergency after being alerted that a 28-year-old woman had jumped off the second Penang Bridge.
He tied a jerrycan to his waist as a flotation device and rappelled down before he dived into the sea.
He and the woman were in the water for about 40 minutes before a fisherman’s boat came to their rescue.
In his speech, Abdul Rahman reminded lawmakers to fulfil their responsibilities and pledges made in their election manifesto after they were given the mandate by the people.
Abdul Rahman also said the people wanted efficient leaders who could bring up their voices for a better future.
“The overwhelming victory in the recent general election was due to the voice of the people.
“Hence, it is a huge responsibility for state and Parliament elected reps who received the mandate of the people to ensure that the promises made in their manifesto are fulfilled,” he added.
Earlier, a 17-gun salute was fired shortly after the TYT’s arrival at the ceremony accompanied by his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff.