Story and pix by Chan Lilian
BUKIT Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh was amongst the string of state leaders who visited the home of Jijar Singh in Bukit Mertajam.
Ramkarpal and Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto spent some time with the grieving parents as they lovingly recalled memories of Bobby.
Bobby is the nickname given to MH17 cabin crew member Sanjid Singh since he was a baby.
Sanjid was one of the 298 who perished in the MH17 tragedy.
“Both of us cannot be the same normal people anymore,” Jijar said as he comforted his wife by patting her back..
“Just two days ago, we were busy preparing lunch for Bobby and his family. It is strange that this time, my son decided to come back for lunch. Usually, they will take a slow drive from KL to Penang and stop in Ipoh for their lunch and reach here for dinner. But this time, my grandson phoned me to say that my daughter-in-law will meet Bobby when he touches down at KLIA and head back to Penang for lunch,” Jijar said.
“I have prepared everyone’s favourite dishes. Bobby loves dhall curry, my grandson wants crab and both my daughter-in-law and son love petai and prawns. I have also fried papadum for them….”
In spite of their grief, Jijar empathised with the victims and families of flight MH370. , “I cannot imagine how they feel because here I am, just only a few days and we know where our son is…and yet…the flight MH370 families are still in limbo…” he said.
Tears flowed when Jijar related a phone call he had with his 10-year-old grandson.
“I spoke to my grandson on the phone this morning. I was sobbing and all that….but my grandson said, Dadaji (grandfather) don’t be sad….your son is not here anymore but this son is here now. I am going to be the man of the house..”
Ramkarpal and Kashturi spent about an hour listening and offered to help them in any way they can.
Relatives and friends have converged at the family home to provide their support while the family awaits further news.