RM1.6M FOR VICTIMS’ CHILDREN

40 children of crew members get RM40,000 each

AYOUNG boy captured the hearts of a large crowd when he ran towards Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who, in turn, offered a warm embrace.

Abderrahman Hakimi, 4, and his mother, Sharifah Asma’a Alwi Al Junied, were at a reception for family members of crew members of Malaysia Airlines Flights MH370 and MH17 on Wednesday when the friendly exchange took place.

Sharifah, 32, MH17 first officer Ahmad Hakimi Hanapi’s widow, was called on stage to receive a mock cheque of RM40,000 from the Flagbearer Education Association with Abderrahman when the boy ran across the stage and hugged Hishammuddin.

Present was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Hishammuddin, the association’s patron, distributed RM1.6 million to 40 children of crew members.

Sharifah said Abderrahman, who was 8 months old when the MH17 tragedy occurred in 2014, was friendly and loveable.

“I guess the fact that Hishammuddin allowed him to sit on his lap and was friendly with him made Abderrahman feel safe enough to open up.

“That is why when Hishammuddin extended his arms to Abderrahman (during the mock cheque presentation), he was more than happy to hug him. That is Abderrahman, a happy and loving child.”

The boy was not shy when expressing his affection for his mother.

When asked by Hishammuddin about his plans when he grows up, Abderrahman said: “I want to marry my mama.”

Hishammuddin resp onde d: “You have to invite me to your wedding then.”

“Sharifah said: “He loves school. He likes it when I read books to him and he likes to play around.”

She said the contribution would go to her son’s education.

“My late husband always talked about giving Abderrahman a good education. He believed in the importance of it.

“He once said he was glad that he was earning well as he could afford a good education for his son.

“I want my late husband to know that his son is in good hands.

“I work hard to provide him a good life. I want him to have the same life he would have had if his dad were alive,” she said.

Sharifah is attached to the World Health Organisation and runs the Boost Juice Bar in Cyberjaya.

A master’s degree holder, she is pursuing a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development certification, a professional British certification for human resource personnel.

She said despite having to juggle two jobs while pursuing her studies, it was worth it.

She said the cheque presentation event had assured her that people cared about their wellbeing and her son’s education.

“He is not forgotten. It motivates me to work harder so that my son will get the best education. I want his father to be proud. He died in the line of duty, but he did not die in vain.”

The RM1.6 million fund was an initiative by Eu Yan Sang, Genting Malaysia Bhd, Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd.