By Sevagamy Nythiananthan
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) — As Malaysia prepares to celebrate its 69th National Day, the meaning of independence takes on a deeply personal significance for 65-year-old Mohd Din Deli – the freedom to see, move independently and, most importantly, live with dignity.
For four years, darkness had been Mohd Din’s reality as advanced cataracts in both eyes left him visually impaired and forced him to give up his job as a security guard at a private company here, leaving him dependent on the kindness of strangers on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
“This walking stick became my eyes because I could no longer see where I was going,” he told Bernama.
With no means of supporting himself, Mohd Din – who is divorced and has lost contact with his two children – rented a small room at a budget hotel near Puduraya (now known as Pudu Sentral) here for RM30 a day and spent his days seeking help from members of the public.
“I would begin my day at 5.30 am and stay on the streets until evening. Some people gave me food, while others offered small amounts of money. Some days, I would not even receive a single sen,” he said, holding back tears.
His circumstances changed when a businessman who frequently passed by his usual spot near Kortumalai Pillaiyar Temple here noticed his plight.
The businessman, Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy, would stop to help Mohd Din cross the road and sometimes gave him money for his daily needs.
“I recognised him only by his voice because I could not see his face. It was only later that I learned he was the owner of a shipping company. His acts of kindness meant so much to me,” said Mohd Din.
He said he had earlier gone for an eye examination, hoping there was still a chance to regain his sight. However, his hopes were dashed when he was told that cataract surgery would cost RM1,800, an amount he could not afford.
“I felt helpless and believed I would spend the rest of my life living in darkness,” he said, adding that when he told Jeyenderan about his condition, he immediately arranged for Mohd Din to undergo further medical examinations as well as cataract surgery.
“On Aug 4, I finally opened my eyes after the successful procedures, and now I see the world I thought I would never see again,” he said.
Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Manjit Singh of Manjit Singh Eye Specialist Centre here confirmed that Mohd Din’s vision had deteriorated severely but could be restored through cataract surgery.
“His cataracts were already severely advanced when he first came to us. After successful surgery on both eyes, his vision has now returned to normal,” said the eye specialist.
Mohd Din, meanwhile, said after the surgery, Jeyenderan offered him a job as a security guard at his company, giving him the opportunity to return to work and rebuild his life.
“I was shocked to receive the job offer and overwhelmed with gratitude. He gave me back something I thought I had lost forever… my sight. Now, he has also given me a chance to rebuild my life. I will always be thankful for his compassion and sincere help during the darkest period of my life.
“This year, I will be able to see the National Day fireworks with my own eyes. Being able to see them would be a true ‘Merdeka’ for me,” he said joyfully.
Jeyenderan said he was moved by Mohd Din’s plight and decided to lend him a helping hand. The businessman said he also felt sad that Mohd Din had to depend on others to hold his hand and accompany him to the mosque for Friday prayers.
“Today, he can walk to the mosque on his own and perform his prayers,” he said.
— BERNAMA