Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of compassionate communication with caregivers during his visit to 68-year-old stroke patient Tandu @ Tarsilla Soliat. “Don’t be upset with the child who is caring for you, speak to them kindly,” Anwar advised during his visit, highlighting the need for empathy towards those providing care.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Theresia Alexander, the 38-year-old daughter of Tarsilla, shared that her mother acknowledged the Prime Minister’s message with a simple nod. Theresia explained that her mother had suffered a seizure in June and was diagnosed with neurosyphilis, leading to a prolonged coma of nearly two months. Although she has begun to recover, Tarsilla remains unable to eat independently and relies on tube feeding.
Theresia expressed her family’s unexpected surprise and gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit, noting that Anwar had also presented a donation to their family. “Our entire family admires him for his approachable and people-friendly nature,” Theresia remarked.
The Prime Minister’s visit was part of the Ziarah Programme under the Petagas State Legislative Assembly constituency. During his visit, Anwar personally visited three homes of elderly residents, providing each family with a food basket and cash aid of RM1,000. He was accompanied by Datuk Awang Husaini Sahari, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Petagas state seat.
Additionally, Anwar visited Rogina @ Boto Soliat, a 76-year-old who suffered a hip fracture a year ago. Her son, Henty Jamsil, expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s support, noting that his mother’s treatment is ongoing at the Ketiau Clinic in Putatan.
Anwar’s final stop was at the home of Allen Patrick, 63, in Kampung Sipanggil. The Prime Minister’s visit to Sabah includes attending several events, such as the Youth Dialogue programme at ITCC, Penampang, a dinner with the Kota Kinabalu Chinese community, a talk session, and a meet-and-greet with community leaders in the Tulid constituency, Keningau.