My two favourite sons of Malaysia

Dr Hasmah Ali passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of being the wife of two of Malaysia's most influential figures, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim. While Dr Mahathir's radical views and commitment to learning, reading, and hard work shaped the nation for over 40 years, Anwar's ideals of progressive Islam and his fight against race-based majoritarianism have also left an indelible mark on Malaysia's history.

As a progressive Malay, the author once admired Mahathir for his unconventional ideas that challenged tradition, while he looked to Anwar for the ideals of the Prophet Muhammad that resonated with his readings of the hadiths. Despite the personal and political differences between the two, they both played a significant role in shaping the author's identity as a Malay, a Muslim, and a Malaysian.

The author's relationship with Mahathir was fraught with tension and conflict, but his admiration for Anwar's message of unity and progress remained steadfast. The image of the two men shaking hands at Hasmah's funeral was a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation, even in the face of adversity. Despite their differences, Mahathir and Anwar's legacy continues to inspire Malaysians to strive for progress and unity.