The moment I read of the demise of Tan Sri Ahmad Noordin Zakaria, a wave of sadness overcame me. Ahmad Noordin was one of the very few public figures or whom I have the utmost respect for. The local papers have already highlighted his public side. I would like to share with your readers his human side.

I had the privilege of meeting Tan Sri when I was a PhD student in the early 1990s. I was researching on fraud and corruption in Malaysia, and one of the cases I looked into was the infamous Bumiputra Malaysia Finance (BMF) case on which Tan Sri was leading the investigation group.

I made an appointment with Tan Sri for an interview for my research. On the morning of the interview, I was very nervous as I would be meeting a very important public figure, the retired auditor-general. I expected Tan Sri to be fierce and authoritative. I was at Tan Sri's simple and not glamorous house on time and he was already waiting for me. Instead of asking his helper to open the gate for me, he came out himself in his sarong and shirt. He extended his hand to me and it was a very friendly and warm handshake.

The ice was broken immediately and the interview was smooth sailing and interesting. Besides answering all my questions, Tan Sri also told me about his career, how proud and honoured he was to serve his country and how sad he was that colossal fraud and corruption cases like the BMF took place. The interview lasted for over three hours.

In the middle of the interview, he asked me if I would like a cup of tea. I told him I was fine, but he insisted that I should have a cup of tea. I expected him to call out to his helper to bring the tea, but I was so embarrassed when Tan Sri himself went to the kitchen to make the tea. Tan Sri could be my grandfather and in our Asian culture, you never let your grandfather make you a cup of tea. I offered to take over, but Tan Sri would not have it. We continued chatting while in the kitchen.

When the interview was over, Tan Sri wished me a successful career and he reminded me that we were all doing God's work on earth. Tan Sri certainly has made a lasting impression on me of what a very noble person should be - upright, humble, generous, kind, and helpful. I am indeed very honoured and privileged to have met him.

May you rest in peace, Tan Sri. You have certainly done a good job on earth. May God bless your soul. You are certainly at the ranks with other very noble people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Sun Yat Sen.