Today marks exactly two years since the tragedy involving Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17, but for the family of Mohd Ali Mohd Salim, the memories they had with him still linger on, especially during Aidilfitri.
His mother, Junaidah Basiron, 64, said it was never easy for her every time Aidilfitri came as she could not help but recall memories she had with her son and family in preparing for the festivity.
"Every time during Hari Raya, he was the busiest person in the family, from cleaning the house, decorating, buying necessary items to cooking in the kitchen.
"He did all that to ensure (our) Raya preparations were complete without having to get other people in the family to do it," she told Bernama when met at her house in Kampung Jayor, Pagoh here.
Mohd Ali was among 298 passengers and crew members perished onboard MH17 which was shot down in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 while en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam.
The future Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer was undergoing a doctorate in Neuropsychopathology Development at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
His body was among the first group of MH17 victims' remains flown back to Malaysia and was laid to rest at the Kampung Raja Muslims Cemetery, Pagoh on Aug 23, two years ago.
Junaidah, who is a mother to eight children, said her son would cook his favourite sambal for the whole family and friends who came to their house every time during Aidilfitri.
"He had learnt cooking from me. He was a meticulous person and a perfectionist in all matters, including cooking.
"He would pound chillies himself because he believed that sambal made from pounded chillies tasted better than by using a grinder. In fact, his friends told me that they miss his delicious and authentic meals," she said.
Junaidah said whenever her son flew to Malaysia for Aidilfitri, his suitcase was filled with souvenirs for family members and items for Hari Raya, such as bedsheet, fabric and table cloth.
"He only carried several clothes for himself while most of his big luggage were filled with things for the family.
"I will never forget his words. He said he did not want to trouble me and was willing to bear everything by himself because all he wanted to do was to return the favour to his parents first," she said in a sad tone.
She also said Mohd Ali loved to help others, be it in material or sharing knowledge.
Recalling the last time she met her son, Junaidah said he kept repeating "malas nak balik" (too lazy to go back) three times before he left for Amsterdam.
"He was a hardworking person and didn't give up easily. I couldn't believe that was the last conversation I had with him," said Junaidah.
For Mohd Ali's brother, Mohd Zaki, his brother's generous smiles, down-to-earth personality and humble attitude were among the many traits that still lingered in the minds of their family members during every Aidilfitri.
"We miss him dearly... Whenever he came back home for Aidilfitri, he was the one with lots of stories," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Mohd Zaki, who is a police officer in Kuala Lumpur, said the family would hold a Yasin recital on July 17 every year as a remembrance for Mohd Ali.
"I have many fond memories with him because we used to live together when I furthered my studies in the capital city last time. (In fact,) there are too many memories which I will never forget," he added.
Bernama
Sun Jul 17 2016
Junaidah with a photo of her son, Mohd Ali. She says every time when Hari Raya rolls around, Mohd Ali would be the busiest one in the house.
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