| Universiti Putra Malaysia

Grieving father receives scroll on behalf of dead daughter

By Azman Zakaria
Photo By Marina Ismail


SERDANG, Oct 22: “Although she is no longer around to witness these precious moments where she is supposed to receive her scroll, the fact remains that she has made us, her family, very happy.

“I am so overwhelmed with her determination and success in completing her Master’s (degree).”

Those were the words uttered by Zulkeply Harun, 60, father of Maizulina, 33, who died on October 18, five days to Universiti Putra Malaysia 40th convocation, today.

Maizulina who completed her Master of Science (Human Communication) died of leukemia at her house in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Accompanied by his wife, Maimunah Abdul Samad, 59, and their other children, Zulkeply came for the convocation to receive the Master of Science degree on behalf of his daughter from Selangor Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also UPM Chancellor.

A military retiree, Zulkeply said Maizulina was first detected with leukemia a few days after Hari Raya Haji in the middle of last September.

 “She was often very weak and her face looked pale. We took her to a clinic in Seremban before taking her for a medical check-up at the Shah Alam Hospital. A blood test showed that she was suffering from leukemia,” he said.

According to Zulkeply, before that, Maizulina did not show any signs of illness.

“At first, Maizulina wanted to attend the convocation but on last Friday (October 14), she decided against it, knowing that she was not well. Her sister, Maizulaikah came to UPM and submitted a form which Maizulina had already filled up to state her absence,” he added.

He also said Maizulina, who is the second of five children, aspired to further her study at the doctorate (PhD) level.

 

“It’s all Allah’s will,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UPM for handling the presentation of degree for his late daughter where he was able to meet the Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Maimunah, meanwhile, said she was touched and proud of her late daughter who still managed to complete her studies and take care of her (Maimunah) who has difficulty moving due to nerve pain. – UPM


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