A Chinese Malaysian man, who had previously gone viral for adopting 3 Malay Muslim orphaned boys (now men), received the Maulidur Rasul Award today (September 16).
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) took to their Facebook page to announce the recipients of the award, which includes the businessman and father figure to the 3 Malay men, 55-year-old Michael Tong Wai Siong (more affectionately known as Uncle Mike).
According to a report by Harian Metro, Uncle Mike shared that the award has only strengthened his resolve to help those in need.
“I feel overwhelmed, I never expected to win this award because I come from a normal family. For 16 years, I didn’t tell anyone about it (the story of him taking care of 3 Malay orphans) until it was published in Harian Metro,”
“I don’t know what to say. I think the appreciation given by the Malaysian government actually gives me motivation and inspiration to continue with my charity work to help many more people,” he said.
The award was presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in celebration of Maulidur Rasul 1446H/2024 at the national level.
Previously, Harian Metro shared the story of Uncle Mike, who had taken in 29-year-old Rafei Ahmad Fauzi when he was 12 years old and living in an orphanage in Gombak.
Later, Uncle Mike also took in Rafei’s 2 younger siblings, 28-year-old Rasyid and 24-year-old Abdul Rahman, when he found a note from Rafei questioning his parents’ passing and why he was separated from his siblings.
Uncle Mike is said to love the trio like his own children despite not being related and being of a different race and has been blessed with 2 grandchildren from Rafei.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
