Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in Moscow.

Who doesn't know Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, one of the greatest leader of all time. He's one of a greatest thinker alive. I'm not so into politics and such, but I've been always trying to understand it. He's the one person I look up to. Looking at Malaysian politicians, I don't think we have much choice. When I was in form 3, I had to do a history folio about our prime minister at that time. That's when I read a lot about him and started to admire him. 

I've always wanted to meet him in person but never got a chance to. So, when I heard that he is coming to Moscow I was so excited! He agreed to meet us the Malaysian students here in Moscow before his flight back to KL. So on Saturday, we gathered at the embassy for his talk. I arrived quite late so I didn't get the best seat, but I can still see him clearly between all those heads in front of me. So it's okay. 

In his speech he basically talked about the importance of education and knowledge in developing a country. And he stressed a lot about giving back what we owe to the community. We must serve the people who made it possible for us to gain our knowledge here. 

''You are what you are because of the community, the people around you.'' 

''The fact that you can earn a living in the community means that you owe something to the community. So you must give back what you owe by way of service to the community.''

''Always remember what you owe to the people of Malaysia, so come back and serve the country.'' 

After the speech, there's a Q&A session with Tun and photo session following after that. Too bad we couldn't get individual photo with him because there wasn't enough time. So we have to settle with group photo instead. There were so many cameras we didn't know which one to look at. This is the only picture of our group that I found. 

photo credit to Farhan Yeo.
Thank you! :)

In the middle of the photo session, Asyikin out of nowhere had the guts to asked for the Tuns' signatures. We actually printed out a big photo of them and prepared with a black Sharpie. Haha bravo Asyikin! ;)

After that, the embassy gave Nasi Lemak to us and we supposedly go back straight. But we were too hungry so we ate it straight away. At that time, I thought I would never see Tun again. I was quite disappointed that I didn't get his signature. Haha 

While getting ready to go back, Aainaa told me that Tun Mahathir was just behind me on his way out to his car. I seriously thought he left already. So I joined the crowd and made my way to almost the front row. Seriously I don't know how I can do that. Haha the guards told us no more signatures and pictures but I was  so determined to get his signature, I somehow managed to selit my hand between the guards and hand him the paper. He immediately took it and smiled at me. *starstruck* Haha you might think this is nothing but it's a big deal for me. I will remember that moment forever. 

I will treasure this inside the book. 

Then we walked our way to the bus stop immediately to avoid the crowd later on. We waved at the cars and suddenly Tun personally rolled down the window and waved back at us. There were only 8 of us there so we feel so special! I'm so touched by the simple gesture. 

Overall it's one of the best day of my life. This is not an everyday thing that always happen in my life. InsyaAllah one fine day, I would like to meet him again. He's such an inspiration to me and I'm sure to all of us. May God bless him and his family. Amin.