I remember growing up, when my sister and I shared a room and we would ask my dad to tell us a story (sometimes more than 1). He would never say no and for that I am grateful. Sometimes his stories would be fictional. Sometimes his stories were about his childhood and sometimes his stories were about biographies on his favourites singers, authors etc.

Stories – the special ones will always make room in your heart and mind, even after many years have gone by. I want to share with you my favourite story.

One time during dinner, it was just myself and my grandparents. It was still in the dining room I grew up in. Everybody was quiet. Maybe it was a long day for all of us. Halfway through my dinner I felt bad for not speaking at all so I asked my grandpa to tell me a story and it turned out to be my favourite story of all, the one about Margaret Thatcher.

During his MAS days, my grandfather said he had received a call. It was a problem about landing rights in Heathrow Airport, London. Apparently those in charge didnt want to give MAS the frequency to land as they saw it as a competition to British Airways. So, obviously there were problems. MAS was new back then. Some would say ‘who were we’ to go up against the British at that time. My grandpa, trying to find a solution to this problem, somehow, found himself conversing with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Following this phone call, she invited him to Downing Street. They spoke. He shared his points on the landing rights, and fortunately she agreed with him. MAS got their landing rights.

When I first heard this story, I was in awe because I knew who Margaret Thatcher was and I was proud of my grandad for what he did.

But as I grew older and now that my grandpa is no longer with us, my perspective and appreciation for this story has completely changed. The first thing I realised was how profound this achievement was for all Malaysians. Now, MAS flies twice daily to and from London. But we don’t know how we got there, but I knew because the person who made it happend told me.

My grandpa, a simple kampung boy who grew up in Kota Bharu presented his arguments to the British Prime Minister. The outcome of this to be honest, after learning more about Margaret Thatcher was not surprising because both of them seemed to have no B.S attitude when it comes to work. Also, dare I say, Integrity. The subject of integrity sits differently with me now, but maybe I will talk about that another day.

Stories – like I said, the special ones will make room in your heart and mind. Reminiscing all the stories my dad and grandpa told me, sometimes I wonder what kind of stories I hope I get to tell my son. One thing is for sure, the stories about my grandpa, will be his to listen to one day.