DON’T BE UPSET WITH THE CHILD CARING FOR YOU, PM ANWAR TELLS STROKE PATIENT

PUTATAN, 15 Nov (Bernama) -- “Don’t be upset with the child who is caring for you, speak to them kindly.”

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed this message during his visit today to 68-year-old stroke patient Tandu @ Tarsilla Soliat in Kampung Duvanson, here.

Theresia Alexander, 38, said her mother responded with a simple nod upon hearing the Prime Minister’s message.

Theresia revealed that her mother suffered a seizure in June and was diagnosed with neurosyphilis (a bacterial infection of the central nervous system).

“She was in a coma for nearly two months at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. She has only started to recover, able to move slightly and speak, but she still cannot eat and is being fed milk through a tube,” she said.

According to Theresia, their family never expected that the Prime Minister would take the time to visit her mother, who has been bedridden for the past three months.

She added that they were deeply moved and thrilled to meet the national leader in person, who also presented a donation.

“Our entire family admires him (Anwar) for his approachable and people-friendly nature,” said Theresia, the fifth of six siblings.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the village was part of the Ziarah Programme under the Petagas State Legislative Assembly constituency, during which he personally visited three homes of elderly residents, presenting each family with a food basket and RM1,000 in cash aid.

He was accompanied by Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Petagas state seat, Datuk Awang Husaini Sahari.

The PH chairman also paid a visit to the family of Rogina @ Boto Soliat, 76, who suffered a hip fracture after a fall a year ago.

Her son, Henty Jamsil, 46, said that since the fall, his mother has remained bedridden.

“Her treatment is carried out regularly at the Ketiau Clinic in Putatan,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the assistance from Anwar.

The Prime Minister’s final stop for the programme was a visit to 63-year-old Allen Patrick’s home in Kampung Sipanggil, about 15 minutes from Kampung Duvanson.

Anwar is in Sabah for a two-day visit until tomorrow to attend several events, including the Youth Dialogue programme at ITCC, Penampang, a dinner with Kota Kinabalu Chinese community, a Ceramah Perdana (talk session), and the PM Sayang Sabah meet-and-greet with community leaders in the Tulid constituency, Keningau.

-- BERNAMA