Against a backdrop of hate politics, a tale of love, sacrifice and courage has emerged, tugging at the heartstrings of Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi both as a father and an academic.

“Simply remarkable!” exclaimed the professor of architecture when Malaysiakini drew his attention to the article on former labourer Ayub Abdul Gani, 61, and his son, Dr Mohamad Zulkifli, 27.

Growing tired of countering politicians who exploit race and religion to sow divisions for personal gains, Tajuddin said he wanted to share his thoughts on something positive for a change.

“Something which gives me hope, something that reminds me not all is lost,” he added.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that Ayub had donated one of his kidneys to save his son, who was diagnosed with fifth-stage renal failure in 2020.

Zulkifli, on the other hand, managed to graduate as a doctor despite having an internal jugular catheter (IJC) on his neck.

Role model

As an academic, Tajuddin lauded the doctor’s determination, saying that he is a role model for all Malaysian students.

“There are no words to express my praise for his determination and courage to pursue his studies despite such a serious health challenge.

“It is both a primitive instinct of survival and also a spiritual growth in strength. In our world of greed, wants and vanity, such strength and zeal must be the values that represent the key to success in both the material world and other worlds.

“Faith, hope and a helping hand characterise real life rather than populism and extreme ideas that destroy society,” he added.

Tajuddin was also full of praise for the father, whom Zulkifli said quit smoking after four decades to ensure the success of the transplant.

“The doctor is right. His father is a hero,” said the academic.

“As a father, I would gladly give both my kidneys if it means saving my children. I have lived my life and I think the young deserve all that they should have,” he added.

A lesson for politicians

Unable to resist the urge to add a political twist, Tajuddin said this should also serve as a lesson for veteran politicians as well.

“In politics, the old must also make way for the young as this is the natural order of things.

“We the older generation have a responsibility to make a better world for the young and give them the very best chance,” he added.

Stressing on parental responsibilities, Tajuddin said: “Our final destination is the ease and happiness of our children, no more, no less.”

“If at the end of our days, our children remember our deeds, that shows a reflection of their spiritual worth. If our children forget to acknowledge our ‘sacrifice’, so be it. What we did for them was simply our responsibility.

“There is no word for ‘sacrifice’ in the dictionary of parenthood,” he added.

Zulkifli, who underwent the transplant procedure at Hospital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, told Malaysiakini that both he and his father are recovering well.

According to the doctor, he was first diagnosed with the disease when he was a medical student at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Recalling that period in a TikTok video, he said: “I went here and there with the ICJ (catheter) wire on my neck.”

“After studies, I went for haemodialysis. At the time, I felt like giving up on my ambition (to become a doctor),” he added.

'My hero': Ailing doctor hails father who quit smoking to save his life

'My hero': Ailing doctor hails father who quit smoking to save his life