A Journey Through Time: Reflections on a Life in UMNO

In the quiet, early hours of the morning, I arrived at Arau Station, marking a significant moment in my life. It was 4 AM, and the station was devoid of the usual hustle and bustle. There were no taxis, but I was fortunate enough to receive assistance from the UMNO Titi Beratap Branch Chief, who graciously drove me to the Sri Malaysia Hotel. This journey back to my roots was not just a physical one, but a deeply emotional and reflective pilgrimage, especially as I was here to participate in the UMNO branch’s annual general meeting a tradition I had been a part of for more than two decades.

My life has been intricately woven with the fabric of UMNO, the political party that has shaped the destiny of the Malay people and Malaysia as a whole. UMNO has been, and always will be, a central part of my identity. This trip to Arau brought back a flood of memories, particularly of a time when I was just 16 years old. It was from this very station that my parents and relatives waved goodbye to me as I boarded the train to Kuala Lumpur to continue my education.

Now, in my seventies, I look back on my life as a painful journey, echoing the words of the Dalai Lama. Life, indeed, has its trials and tribulations, but it is through these challenges that we find our true purpose. Sheikh Dr. Mahmud Mc Glani, a revered teacher to my children and family, once likened life to a train journey. Each of us must disembark at our destined station, and it is up to us to make the most of our time onboard, devoting ourselves to worship and frequently sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Reflecting on my past, I recall my return to Perlis and my deep involvement in UMNO Arau around the age of 24. It was a period of intense political activity, which ultimately led to my election as a member of the UMNO Youth Executive Committee in Arau during the era of YAB PMX Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership of the UMNO Youth. Concurrently, I served as the UMNO Youth Chief for Taman Selayang Branch in the Selayang Division. Holding dual memberships in UMNO during this time was not only challenging but also immensely rewarding.

One of the most exhilarating chapters of my political journey was supporting and actively campaigning for PMX Anwar Ibrahim. Alongside friends and colleagues, including Associate Professor Zulkifli Abidin, a former Director of UiTM Perlis, we returned to Arau to campaign vigorously for Anwar Ibrahim’s candidacy as the UMNO Youth Chief. Our campaign was a relentless effort, driven by a shared vision for the future of our party and nation. It was a historic and intense battle, which saw us oust Dato’ Suhaimi Kamarudin from his position.

Among the notable supporters of our campaign was Cik Gu Roslan Yatim, a National Teacher Figure, and Dato’ Seri Raja Syed Razlan, a former Member of Parliament for Arau. With the blessing of Allah, our hard work culminated in Anwar Ibrahim’s victory by a narrow margin of 10 votes, during a decisive meeting at the Tan Sri Syed Nasir Hall at the Dewan Bahasa Pustaka. I, along with Dato’ Thalib Ali, an Exco Member of the Perlis State Government, and DSSK, the current Member of Parliament for Arau, cast our votes for Anwar Ibrahim as the UMNO Youth Chief.

These memories are but a fraction of the rich tapestry of experiences that define my political journey. Each chapter is filled with stories of dedication, struggle, and triumph that could fill volumes. The camaraderie and shared purpose we felt during those campaigns remain some of the most cherished moments of my life. I intend to document these stories in greater detail when time permits, as they serve as valuable lessons for future generations.

As I reflect on the current political landscape, I am reminded of the critical role that leaders like YAB Zahid Hamidi and YAB Anwar Ibrahim play in shaping our future. The connections and relationships forged over decades continue to influence and inspire me. The enduring spirit of UMNO, embodied by leaders past and present, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for the Malay community and Malaysia as a whole.

In conclusion, my journey to Arau Station at 4 AM was more than a return to a physical location; it was a pilgrimage to the roots of my political and personal identity. The memories of my youth, the battles fought and won, and the unwavering spirit of UMNO are the threads that weave together the story of my life. As I continue to reflect on these experiences, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and purpose, knowing that every step of this journey has been a testament to a lifelong commitment to the cause of UMNO and the betterment of our beloved nation.