MELAKA – Once upon a time, Jeffry Rais Jamaludin had to endure insults because of his parents’ jobs.
His mother, Aisah Iberahim, 49, is a cleaner while his father Jamaludin Kamis, 59, drives a garbage truck.
The 21-year-old did not let the jeers get to him. Today, he is a chemical engineering student pursuing a degree at the Université Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier in France.
Speaking to reporters at the SWM Environment Melaka office in Cheng where his mother works, Jeffry said he turned the insults into motivation to study hard.
At 16, he was offered a spot at the Terendah Mara Junior Science College where he later obtained excellent results for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.
Jeffry said his parents’ hard work ensured that he is able to pursue his higher education overseas.
“Because I come from a simple family, I wanted to prove to those who insulted me that I too can succeed,” he said.
Jeffry, who is now in his second year, expressed hope to keep pursuing his studies at a higher level and work overseas.
As for his mother, she said at first she was worried about Jeffry going to France, given that she has been told about Islamophobia there.
However, Aisah is confident that Jeffry, the third of four siblings, is independent enough to survive.
“At first, I couldn’t believe that my son was going to study overseas…I am proud of him as he is trying to improve our family's well-being.
“What is important is to not play favourites (among the siblings), as each child has their own strength,” she said.
Apart from Jeffry, Aisah and Jamaludin’s second child is currently pursuing higher education at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Skudai, Johor. – The Vibes, August 10, 2023
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