UMNO VETERAN PUTS ON RED AND WHITE BAJU KURUNG FOR ‘BAPA’
PEKAN: On learning that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will visit her in Kampung Baru Salong here yesterday, Fatimah Mahidin immediately told her daughter to get her clothes ready.
The long-serving former Kampung Baru Salong Wanita Umno chief donned a red-and-white baju kurung — the colours of Wanita Umno.
During his visit yesterday, Najib, noticing her in the baju kurung, praised the 76-year-old for donning the Wanita Umno colours despite her health condition.
Fatimah, who has nerve problems in her right leg and high blood pressure, asked Najib, who is also Umno president, about his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and if she had accompanied him.
The Pekan member of parliament said Rosmah was in Kedah for a programme with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Najib, who spent more than 15 minutes with Fatimah, also enquired after her blood pressure level and other ailments.
But Fatimah was cheerful and shared some jokes with Najib.
He gave her some cash aid and a wheelchair to help her move about more easily instead of depending on a walking aid.
After Najib left, Fatimah said she had not worn the red-andwhite baju kurung for a long time, especially since she was no longer active in politics.
“Today is special, so I decided to wear the baju kurung as bapa (father, in reference to Najib) came to visit.
“He is the chairman of the division I once served. I am touched that he took time out from his busy schedule to visit me.”
Fatimah’s daughter, Alawiyah Saman, 53, said her mother had been active in politics for more than 40 years and was Kampung Baru Salong Wanita Umno chief from the 1970s until last year.
Alawiyah, the third of nine siblings, said her father, Saman Ter, who died in 2007, had also been an active Umno member.
She said her parents were pioneers who set up a party branch in the village.
“My mother told me to prepare the baju kurung as wearing it reminded her of her time in the party. She helped out during the 13th General Election in 2013.”