Seremban & The First Lady of the Anti-Isa Sentiment

We just got back from the candlelight vigil in Seremban. Stephen and I rushed to join other like-minded Malaysians at the Dataran Seremban Park. The vigil started at 8.00 pm and we arrived a little after 8.30 pm, partly due to usual traffic woes and poor time management on our side. Nevertheless, the crowd was encouraging and the place was a great location for this gathering. We went to this first Seremban Anti-I.S.A. vigil to show our support and to help make the numbers. The efforts of Angela, Zorro, The Whisperer and others seem to have paid off. Many people like us ended their working week with a final hop, skip and jump to be a part of this night. Stephen arrived from Singapore late afternoon and after a quick snack, short freshening up, happily gave up his usual siesta just to be a part of it.

Now for the second part of my title re: the First Lady of this Anti-I.S.A. sentiment.

I would like to share my perspective of her. I probably don’t even need to mention her name. I am certain that it is easy to guess who I am writing about. However, for the uninformed, here is a picture for you.

I had seen her twice before, spoken briefly only once but tonight, I had the chance to hear directly what her mouth uttered and to listen to what her heart said. (at an after vigil get-together).

It’s impossible not to like her. She’s so down-to-earth, friendly and approachable. There are no airs about her. She doesn’t have any illusions of grandeur, having been thrust into the limelight these days. It’s incredible to note how she welcomes everyone with so much gratitude in her face. People stop in their tracks when they realize she’s present. She does not show tiredness and irritation as friends and strangers greet her throughout the vigil. People want to shake her hand, they want a picture taken with her, they want to say hello or just stand near her.

I watched her tonight as I did on the other two occasions; it struck me that she is very much like any First Lady displaying grace, charm, poise and energy. She holds her head up high. She pays attention to what people are saying. She doesn’t take for granted the support she receives.

As a woman, I admire her courage, loyalty and strength. Her quiet sense of duty to her husband, home and friends is truly extraordinary. I hope that her exemplary conduct in the face of adversity will inspire many other ordinary women like me to be better, to go further, to stand longer and to do more than what is expected of us. I salute you, Marina.

To share last night’s vigil with you, here are some pictures……

why we were there!ubiquitous Zorro

Stephen and MarinaListening attentivelySo much supportmen/women in black and white

a small family affair!
an entire family affair!

closing shop
clearing and cleaning upGood night and God bless!