For Ooi, OKU Sentral’s show was music to his ears
PETALING JAYA: It was a heart-warming moment at Konsert Bingkisan Kami Buatmu when Datuk Ooi Eow Jin started clapping along to one of the musical performances.
Organised by OKU Sentral, a platform to empower differently-abled people in Malaysia, the concert was held to raise funds for the renowned composer suffering from Alzheimer’s.
OKU Sentral founder Ras Adiba Radzi was touched to see Ooi, who attended the first of the four shows, responding to the music.
“Before, when I went to see him, he didn’t show much reaction. He seemed far away.
“When I saw him clapping that day, it showed he was connecting with us. Music does that.
“It brings back memories and I hope it brought back some parts of his memory,” she said.
She added: “He acknowledged me when he came onstage. “I said ‘I hope you enjoyed the show’ and he said, ‘Yes, thank you.’ And he smiled. And when I held his hand, he squeezed mine.”
Ooi, 80, came into the spotlight early this month after a social media post went viral.
The post was about his wife, Datin Elaine Khaw, 78, selling Chinese New Year cookies to support her husband.
Khaw also has to care for their 54-year-old son Raymond who is bedridden with a brain tumour.
Ras Adiba said: “We’ve collected about RM5,000 in donations. We don’t have the figures from the ticket sales yet but we hope to have at least RM10,000 in total to pass to Ooi’s family.”
The concert, held at Damansara Performing Arts Centre on Saturday and Sunday, featured performances by differently-abled people such as OS Wheelchair Dancers and singer Umar Hasfizal.
Ras Adiba said the first show saw a small turnout of about 30, which rose to 120 by the last show.
“When we have performances, I’d really appreciate it if people would come and cheer us on. The performers are just so happy to be up there and to be given attention.
“Even if it’s for just an hour and a half or two, it means a lot to them. I know Malaysians are a very lovable lot,” she added.