Mohamad Merdeka's 69th birthday celebration delayed by hospital stay

PASIR MAS: A family s plans for a grand Merdeka-themed birthday celebration for their 69-year-old retired teacher, Mohamad Merdeka Che Soh, were abruptly halted after he was admitted to the hospital last week. The birthday, originally scheduled for National Day, holds special significance as it coincides with the one-year anniversary of his youngest son, Iman Luqman Mohd Firdaus. Mohamad, a former teacher at SMK Tendong, had been in Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital since August 23 due to heart and kidney complications.

His daughter, Nur Athilah Mohd Merdeka, 29, expressed the family's disappointment, as they had intended to merge the birthdays of both their father and grandson with the National Day festivities. The family had even ordered a birthday cake for the occasion, which they had to cancel. Despite the cancellation, Nur Athilah and her mother, Wan Halimah Wan Ahmad, 63, along with their two younger brothers, Mohd Harith, 33, and Mohd Hazim, 22, plan to celebrate the special occasion together when Mohamad's health improves.

The youngest child, Iman Luqman, was born on August 31 last year. While the grand celebration might not transpire as initially planned, the family insists that their primary concern is Mohamad's recovery. They hope to turn the upcoming celebration into a double birthday and Merdeka celebration, honoring both their father and grandson.