Everest climber reveals why he forked out RM16,500 for Hadi's 'tongkat'

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s walking stick has found a new owner, and for Mount Everest climber Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin, it is worth far more than the RM16,500 he paid.

The Kemuning wood walking stick was auctioned at a PAS fundraising dinner in Malacca to raise funds for the party’s preparations for the upcoming state election.

It drew considerable interest before finally going under the hammer for RM16,500.

Muqharabbin later took to Facebook to explain that his bid was not simply about owning a personal item belonging to the PAS president.

“It was not because of the value of a walking stick, nor out of blind devotion to a person. Rather, it was because it will serve as a lifelong memory and reminder for me,” he said.

For Muqharabbin, the walking stick carries a more personal meaning.

Beautiful moment

Describing it as “one of the most beautiful moments” for him, he said he was grateful for the opportunity to be close to his “murabbi” (spiritual guide) while also contributing to PAS.

“But most importantly, this walking stick serves as a stark reminder to myself:

“Today, we are still strong. We are still able to walk, climb the highest peaks, run 50km, cycle around the world, work and struggle.

“But that strength will not last forever. If Allah grants me a long life, one day I too will grow old and may need a walking stick,” he added.

Muqharabbin was formerly the youngest Southeast Asian climber to scale Mount Everest.

His political journey has also taken him through several parties. He previously served as Lembah Pantai Umno Youth chief and as an Umno Youth exco member before joining Bersatu. He later joined PAS in June.

The bidding for the walking stick, which also bears the initials TGHH for “Tuan Guru Haji Hadi”, started at RM2,500.

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