Final Farewell

Tok Mat bade the final farewell closed to 72 years at the New Year's gateway. It was also a couple of days after Gus Dur bade his final farewell.

He served 5 prime ministers in various capacities including as ambassador to Indonesia.

This is something that journalist Megawati Zulfakar wish to share about Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat in her Star Comment column.

Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat came from a family of 17 siblings in Kampung Mohd Amin, Johor Baru.

His mother died when he was 12. Later, he went on to hold the record of being the longest serving Member of Parliament for Pulai between 1969 to 1999.

Not bad achievement for a boy who had to sell kuih until he was in Form 3.

To her, there was no halfway with Tok Mat (as he was well known). You either liked him or hated him.

Many politicians despised him - several got suspended by Umno when he was party secretary-general and alleged he had abused his position - as did members of the public who disliked his propaganda over RTM.

However, for many journalists covering Umno politics, Tok Mat was the perfect source for news and for those who worked with him in Umno headquarters, this politician was a caring boss.

For those close to him, he was a good friend. He could understand their needs. For he was a poor boy who had made good.

But he had his failings. One abuse he would later admit to was using the government machinery to get to the rakyat to support Umno again.

During the Umno general assembly, he would allow journalist to mingle freely with Supreme Councilmembers during their tea break. There was no restrictions.

Sadly, the tradition died when he was no longer held the position.