Photo: Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: It never crossed Michael Tong Wai Siong’s mind to become the father of three boys from different races and religions. However, fate has significantly changed the life of the 55-year-old.
Michael, affectionately known as 'Uncle Mike,' said his deep interest in charity work and participation in shelter home programmes through a car club led him to meet three Malay boys.
Due to his noble character and demonstrating the values of a multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysian society, the businessman was honoured with the National Maulidur Rasul Award 2024 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Monday (Sept 16).
Adding to the honour, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim presented the award to him, making Michael the only Chinese recipient on this special day for the Muslim community.
"It's hard to describe my feelings; I'm overwhelmed and delighted. I never expected such recognition, especially coming from an ordinary family.
"This recognition inspires and motivates me to continue my charity work and help more people in need," he said.
Recounting how he began taking care of the three adopted boys, it started with a meeting with an orphaned Malay child 16 years ago at an orphanage.
Initially, he took Rafei Ahmad Fauzi into his home after meeting him at the age of 12 in an orphanage in Gombak, Selangor.
However, unable to see Rafei's two younger brothers in despair due to separation, Michael decided to care for all three siblings.
Now, Rafei, 29, and his two brothers, Rasyid, 28, and Abdul Rahman, 24, have been with him for almost 16 years. The love he shares with them has never faded despite having no blood relation or prior acquaintance.
"I also want to take this opportunity to thank my family, who were open to accepting my three adopted sons.
"My family advised me to take good care of them. This has been a secret I've kept for the past 16 years, and not many people knew about it," he said.
Five other notable figures were also honoured with the same award, including the President of the Malaysian Muslimah Brotherhood Association, Datin Aminah Zakaria, member of the Supreme Council of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council, Datuk Ab Jamal Sakaran, and Microbiology Expert, Datin Prof Dr Khatijah Mohamad Yusoff.
Also receiving the award were former Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, Professor Emeritus Dr Shaharir Mohamad Zain, and President of the Malaysian Deaf Advocacy and Welfare Organisation, Sariah Ibrahim.
Additionally, the Sarawak Mufti, Datuk Kipli Yassin, was named the recipient of the Maulidur Rasul Premier Award 2024.
Kipli, a native of Kampung Selalang, Sarikei, was recognised for his contributions to promoting cross-cultural da'wah to various ethnic communities.
Kipli, who started serving as the Sarawak Mufti on 1 March 2010, was honoured for his efforts to uphold the values of harmony and unity within the Madani community.
