Sir Edward Gent congratulating Sher Mohamed with a firm handshake. Photo: Rafique Sher Mohamed
My father, Sher Mohamed Allah Baksh, passed away in 1996. Twenty-seven years after his death, my father's legacy continues to burn like an eternal flame.
He was special, a rare breed of a man, commanding respect and admiration. Courage, honesty, and resolute integrity were the cornerstone of his character. He was a glittering star in his career – with an impeccable reputation – and was our source of inspiration. He brought honour to our home.
His retirement in 1969 marked the culmination of a remarkable 35-year career with the police force.
In 1999, the Royal Malaysia Police unveiled his exhibit in the Muzium PDRM, dedicated to a police officer whose life was marked by staunch dedication and devotion to duty. It was a moment of profound pride and awe for his family that his narrative has been etched into the annals of the Royal Malaysia Police.
His exhibit in the Royal Malaysia Police Museum kindled a spark in my heart. The desire to preserve his legacy grew in intensity. Fuelled by dogged determination, I was driven to capture his story in a book, even as the path ahead remained uncertain.
A decade of contemplation had already ensued after his passing, each year nurturing the seed of an idea. Finally, in 2007, when Malaysia's 50th anniversary was around the corner, I began work on my father's biography. The endeavour was no simple feat.
Balancing the pressures of a demanding full-time job with the meticulous dedication required for a comprehensive pictorial biography was a test of patience and perseverance. After six months of relentless labour, the coffee table book began to take form.
In May 2008, my book was launched by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. I thought this would be the culmination of all my years of hard work to keep father's legacy alive. However, the hunger to share my father's story with a wider audience remained unsated. After all, the chronicles of his life were the stuff of movies.
The original spark that motivated me to write a book now propelled me to venture into uncharted territory – writing a movie script. It was an ambitious attempt to encapsulate Sher Mohamed's life in vivid scenes and resonant dialogues.
The script, emerging from the depths of the heart, bore the marks of a novice's effort. Nonetheless, it contained the essence of a tale deserving of cinematic production.
In 2014, I journeyed to the American Film Festival in Santa Monica, California, in pursuit of film producers. This Hollywood chase wasn't without its formidable obstacles.
There was a glimmer of hope, a promise of a joint venture, but the local film industry – constrained by financial limitations and skepticism, since I was not a movie producer – cast doubt on my endeavour.
That was a major setback, after all the resources I had put into this movie dream project. I had come this far and was disappointed. If a movie production on my script was beyond my reach, then I had to settle for something else that was within my control.
Eventually, I found another door which led me to my goal: The graphic novel, which could also convey the vision I had in my mind of my father's story.
The search for the right artist to breathe life into this vision proved to be an arduous process. It was difficult to find one with the right attitude and skill set who could meet my demands and expectations.
Finally, after three years, I found someone who was confident and willing to take instructions, a professional artist who proved to be a good fit for this challenging task and who could be counted on to meet deadlines.
Over the span of a year, we worked hard. After a long and bumpy ride, the illustrations – with a firm adherence to authenticity – gradually took shape, capturing Sher Mohamed Allah Baksh's extraordinary journey.
As Malaysia celebrates its 66th year of independence, it is timely and befitting that my graphic novel pays homage to the legacy of Sher Mohamad Allah Baksh, a son of the Royal Malaysia Police.
It is my hope that my father's chronicles will resonate with the nation in recognition of his unwavering commitment, loyalty, sacrifices and contributions as a police officer, in the service of our beloved country.
