Cherished kin: Shahul Hameed (right) meets with Hanushiya and her grandchildren — K. T. GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For K. Hanushiya Devi, family is above all else – even when it comes to embracing different faiths under the same roof. The 67-year-old woman is a practising Hindu while her four grandchildren, aged between five and 10, are Muslim converts.
“I am doing what all grandmothers do, that is, to love them regardless of their religion.
“I respect my son’s decision who wanted his children to remain Muslim. In fact, we’re always looking forward to celebrating each other’s festivals.
“Be it Deepavali or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the festive mood is always there. That’s what Malaysia is all about – our diversity and we live in harmony,” said Hanushiya, who stays with the children and their father at a flat in Paya Terubong.
The children’s father, who is also a Muslim convert, has divorced his wife who is said to be living in Kuala Lumpur.
Hanushiya was one of five recipients at the 34th Penang Muslim League Hari Raya Welfare and Aid programme, which was attended by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman at Dewan Sri Pinang on Sunday.
Hanushiya, who had received RM1,000, said the money would be used for her grandchildren.
“I am grateful to the association. The aid is timely as I can use it to buy new clothes for my grandchildren so that they can enjoy the festivities, too,” she said.
Another recipient is former teacher Jamil Mustafa, who lost both his legs to chronic diabetes.
Besides RM300 cash in aid, Jamil, 39, who lives with his sister in Teluk Kumbar, also received a special commode chair for his daily use.
“I am truly grateful, knowing that there are people out there who want to help us,” he said.
Another recipient Nurul Asyikin Ramlan, 41, said the monthly supply of baby formula and RM300 cash aid for her eight-month-old daughter would ease the financial burden of her husband who works as a labourer.
“I am not working and this aid will help our small family a lot,” said Nurul Asyikin, who will be receiving the monthly aid for as long as they need.
Her daughter Janatul Nisa Abdullah has had a chronic heart condition since she was born.
During the event, some 700 people from the needy community also received RM100 each from the association.
Penang Muslim League deputy president Datuk Shahul Hameed Syed Mohamed said another 200 recipients who could not attend the event would also receive the cash aid.
The recipients, he said, were from the B40 group and the hardcore poor community in Penang.
“Those who need assistance can come to our office at Queen Street, which is open every Wednesday from 9am to midnight,” he said.
