FEELING OF SADNESS

There was a feeling of sadness among many of the teachers who taught or knew Muhamad Shafiq bin Saiful Bahkri who passed away on Sunday. He was only 18 years old. Even though I did not teach his class English but I knew the boy. From what I remember, Shafiq was a very well-mannered and likeable person. Many of the teachers whom I talked to today were visibly saddened by the news of his demise. According to Ustaz Zul, he was a student who showed great respect for the teachers and was a well-disciplined and good student. Ustaz Fauzi told me that he was a good boy and well-liked by everyone. I was told by Puan Kamariah that before his death, Shafiq had kept on saying that he wanted to give two cans of soft drinks to Cikgu Sulaimi in appreciation for helping him do well in his History paper for the SPM. I was told that on Monday ( I hope I get this right), Shafiq's uncle came to our school and presented a carton of soft drinks to Cikgu Sulaimi to help fulfil his nephew's last wishes. I haven't had the chance to talk with Cikgu Sulaimi but I was told that he was really saddened by the passing of his student. I too am feeling very sad after I saw his picture in the school year book and found out who he was. I have a poor memory for names but once I see the face, I'll know. However, I have to console myself that maybe he was such a good person, that Allah called him back early to heaven. Once again, my deepest condolences to Shafiq's family and may he rest in peace.

The above is a picture I took of Shafiq and Cikgu Zainal Abidin Shah. Shafiq had come to school to get his SPM results and had requested that I snap a picture of him with Cikgu Zainal. He was actually one of the first few to reach school to get his results.