Helena Gurinki, 50
Fruit Seller
Telipok, Sabah
I first wanted to be police officer, but it turned out I was too short. My uncle was a teacher so I wanted to be like him. It looked like so much fun being a teacher, but I only managed to finish Form 3 because it was too far to go to school.
That has to be my uncle. I always thought how wonderful it would be to be a teacher just like him, teaching others. When I was very young, he even carried me on his back to school, because I used to have to cross a river seven times just to get to school from home.
Compared to my old life, things are a little better. I just want to be able to run an honest business, and hopefully not go back to how it was when I was growing up. We must always have hope.
Nasar Jabar, 49
Newspaper Vendor
Kuala Lumpur
I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to teach students so that when they grow up, they have good jobs and I will be happy.
Since 20 years ago, my hero has been Tun Mahathir Mohamad because he developed Malaysia.
My dream is to have a big business and buya house.
Soo Siew Ngoh, 48
Clerk Administrator
Simpang Empat, Perlis
Mathematics was my favourite subject in school. All I wanted to do in life was to be able to have a career and earn a living by doing something relevant with mathematics such as accounts.
My husband Lee Heong Fiew because he works hard to provide for our family. Having a responsible and caring husband-cum-father is all a wife could ask for.
At this age and coming from a conservative Chinese family, Xiao (filial piety) is essential for us. We cared and raised our children hoping that they will practise such virtue when they grow up.
K. Muthu, 47
Assistant Manager,
Lunas, Kedah
I wanted to be a lawyer and politician to help people.
Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman is my hero. He is my role model as he brought the three races together to gain independence. My father R. KalimuthuI was Tunku’s driver and I worked as his aide during his final years and was close to him. He was a great leader who lived a simple life, he was also humble and approachable.
I want to be financially successful before I retire and to see the country be self-sustaining in many areas including skilled labour. I dream to see Malaysians stand united to face any eventuality, which was also the Tunku’s dream for the nation.
Mazlan Bahsiyar, 46
Hardware Shop Assistant
Tapah, Perak
I dreamt of serving the nation as a fireman as it is a challenging job. But I didn't make it as I only studied until Standard Six.
I admire our former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He is the country's longest serving PM and most successful politician who developed the nation while maintaining peace and harmony.
I hope to see the country continue in the path of peace, stability and prosperity. The livelihood of Orang Asli have improved over generations. Now, our young ones who study hard even make it to universities.
Selimah anak Ngilah, 45
Farmer,
Bau, Sarawak
I wanted to be a teacher but I never achieved that ambition.
I am the youngest in a family of five children. I had two other siblings born before me but they died of some disease. There were no clinics back then, no medical help.. so things were very hard for us.
My dream is to see my children prosper. I have three children now. The eldest is studying in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) now. I hope for them to be successful so that they can help support our lives here.
Catherine Leow Lai Hong, 44
Salesperson
Kuala Lumpur
I always wanted to be a successful person when I was young.
My mother is my hero. She can do everything; share the family's burden, never resting for 365 days. I have never heard her say it's tiring.
She took care of us and no matter what we do, she loves and supports us.
My dream for myself is that I will be able to travel.
Masitah Miswan, 43
Teacher,
Malim, Malacca
I'm the oldest of my eight siblings and I really wanted to study law but my father told me to pursue teaching. I was the first batch from MAKTAB Perguruan Islam Bangi and I have been teaching for almost 20 years.
Currently I don't think there is any leader that is eligible to be called a Malaysian hero. It used to be Anwar Ibrahim because I liked him when I was in Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM). But I learned that "Pokok tidak akan bergoyang, kalau tak ada angin."
My life dream would be for my son to live independently. This is because he is an only son, 17 years old, taking SPM this year.
Rusnani Ahmad, 42
Hospital Clerk,
Dungun, Terengganu
I wanted to be a nurse because when I was a teenager, I loved to help people. But now, although I am not a nurse, I am working at the hospital.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad is my hero. I was a teenager when he was named our prime minister. After more than 20 years, I have seen his ideas and projects turn into reality including the North-South Expressway and our own national car brand Proton.
I want my four children to be successfull in their studies and wish one of my children could continue my legacy working in a hospital either as a doctor or nurse.
Shamsul Bahari, 41
Businessman,
Pekan, Pahang
I wanted to be a teacher because when I was younger, there wasn’t much choice. The job scope at the time was not as wide as today. At the time, if you asked any kid my age, they would say they want to be a teacher, policeman or doctor.
My hero is Tun Abdul Razak because he is known as the father of development. He had the vision to bring up the country and of course, because he is also from Pekan.
My dream is to have a good family, and be successful in everything I do because I want my children to be successful.
Eric Ho, 40
Interior Designer/Musician
Penampang, Sabah
I wanted to be a pilot, because I thought it was cool and that flying was fun. I liked the idea of adventure and flying, and travelling the world. The first places I wanted to visit was the United States, maybe Hollywood and Seattle.
I've always looked up to my elder brother, Adrian. He influenced me artistically, and he really has the patience to do his paintings.
He would take the time to go through every little detail on his paintings, to the most minute particle on a leaf in a vast forest.
I'd like to see the local music scene become more open.
Marlina Ice, 39
Kuih Seller,
Bau, Sarawak
I always wanted to be a teacher. Because as a teacher, you have the honourable duty of imparting knowledge on the young. Teaching them to be good people, teaching them to be better people. It is a noble job.
My father is my hero because he sacrificed so much for our family without thinking about himself at times. He works as a contractor and was the sole breadwinner of the family.
My dream is to be successful enough for my children to find better futures for themselves. I have two children, the older one is 16 years old. I don't want them to have to work like me... I don't want them to have this difficult life.
Roshedah Ahmad, 38
Production Operator,
Kuala Nerang, Kedah
I wanted to be a teacher but I could not complete my Upper Six due to financial difficulties as my father was a rubber tapper. However, I have no regrets in life as I am happy doing what I do now.
Tun Mahathir Mohamad is my hero. He is a brilliant leader as he has great vision for the nation.
I am happy and hope to stay that way.
Daniel Khay, 37
Branch Manager
Batu Ferringhi, Penang
I wanted to be a pilot because I wanted to go everywhere and see places. I wanted to travel. Now I am in logistics, though I can’t pilot a plane to fly everywhere, at least I am "directing" cargo in planes.
Karamjit Singh is my hero. He is the “Flying Sikh” and a Malaysian professional driver in rallys and he was the first Asian driver to win the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Production Car World Championship for Drivers. He has won many other international championships. He is considered the best rally driver in Malaysia, there is no other like him.
I once met a 15-year-old homeless boy who slept under the staircase of a high rise building. He was not an orphan but he was homeless because he refused to study and instead of encouraging him in other ways, his father literally poured hot water on him, burning the entire length of his right arm.
He ran away from home and refused to go back. I believe he is not the only child to suffer such a fate. I wish to own a piece of land where I can build a home for less fortunate children like that boy.
It will not be an orphanage but a shelter for children whose parents can’t afford to keep them or do not want them. It will be open to all children who need a place to stay, a place to be nurtured so that they can get a better chance in life with proper food, care and education.
Goh Seng Hui, 36
IT Professional,
Subang Jaya, Selangor
I wanted to represent Malaysia in sports at an international level. At that time, I would say it was either to represent the country in football or badminton.
My grandfather. I think that is the closest thing I would call a hero instead of the prime minister or a politician, because I know my grandfather personally.
He basically raised me and he started off his hardware business after coming here from China.
For myself, I would say that I want to retire young and be financially free. For Malaysia, for us to be united and prosperous together.
* The print edition of this story had a factual error. It has been corrected here.
