KUALA LUMPUR: Three Muslim siblings shared their feelings and the bond they've developed over 16 years with their beloved Uncle Mike.
In 2008, Rafie Ahmad Fauzi, Rasyid, and Abdul Rahman, also known as the 'Three Rs', were adopted by a Chinese Malaysian man, Michael Tong Wai Siong, commonly known as 'Uncle Mike'.
Today, Uncle Mike was honoured with the National Press Club (NPC)-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Award 2024 for June, and the siblings celebrated by sharing their stories of being raised by Uncle Mike despite their different races and religions.
The NPC-Macrokiosk Muhibbah Awards, launched last year, was created to inspire and recognise acts of kindness, unity, and goodwill.
Abdul Rahman, 24, the youngest brother, said Uncle Mike was selfless and diligently learned to cook Malay dishes that suited their taste buds.
"He always cooks any dishes that we recommend, and his signature dish is Rendang, though his favourite dish is wanton noodles.
"During the fasting month, he was the one who cooked 'sahoor' and woke us up on time," he said, adding that Uncle Mike is more dedicated to religious practices than the siblings.
Rahman added Uncle Mike wanted to share the experience of Ramadhan with them and was more devoted to Islamic practices.
There was one moment that Rahman felt touched by something Uncle Mike told them once.
"I remember him saying that once he considered us his children, and we would always be his children. He told me those words when I was 20 years old, and I still remember them until now.
"He often reminded us that if we do bad things, we'd get into trouble, and he talked a lot about that, so eventually, we just wanted to be good. He just wanted us to do the right thing," Rahman recalled.
Uncle Mike was the first recipient of the Muhibbah Award 2024, and he never expected to receive such an honour.
The Malaysian Chinese father, who raised three Malay-adopted sons, said recognising harmony and unity among families of different races is crucial for Malaysia.
"We can be as one, as Malaysians. When we cut our hands, our blood is still red no matter the race," he said during his speech after receiving the award.
Despite his discomfort in the media spotlight, Uncle Mike expressed profound gratitude for the recognition he received.
He acknowledged the numerous Malaysians who, like him, contribute to society without seeking the limelight.
"I hope that by receiving this award, many others like me will be recognised by the public as we are Malaysians," he added.
Talking to the reporters, Uncle Mike said when he first encountered the boys struggling with the trauma and the loss of their parents, it moved him to provide them with a loving and stable home.
"I think it was fate from God that I met the three of them in my life. Though they are Muslims, I never asked them to switch as I understand they need to keep their faith in Islam.
"I told them every day when raising them, they should keep praying and preserve their faith in Islam as that is the legacy their parents left them before they died," said Uncle Mike.
Uncle Mike added he will always remind them to keep their parents in mind when praying, and the least they could do for him was to wish him longevity in life and blessings.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said that this award celebrates the first winner, Uncle Mike, for his extraordinary act of compassion and dedication to fostering three adoptive boys of different races.
"Michael has displayed what it truly means to be a father figure, in being caring, loving, and having a sympathetic heart to ensure these young men had a real chance at life.
"This is exactly the kind of Muhibbah spirit that we set out to recognise and encourage.
"With the continuation of this award after our success with the first series, we hope to rekindle the spirit of Muhibbah and help create a stronger, more resilient, and more united Malaysia," he said during the opening ceremony speech.