Anwar’s Lifeline: How He Saved a Penang Family’s Ancestral Home Twice in 30 Years

For 57-year-old Auntie Woon, life has never been easy. She’s not just looking after herself; she’s the sole caretaker of her two older brothers — Ah Kong, who’s bedridden, and Ah Keong, who suffers from a mental disability. The trio’s crumbling family home in Permatang Pauh stands as a fragile reminder of their past — but more than that, it’s their last connection to their late parents.

Saved by Anwar Three Decades Ago

In the 1990s, Auntie Woon’s family nearly lost their home after being scammed, leaving them desperate for help. Despite approaching numerous politicians and community leaders, no one stepped in — until their late sister met Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was then Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Permatang Pauh MP.

Anwar listened to their plight and swiftly took action, ensuring their family home remained theirs. Their sister told them to never forget the man who saved their home — a memory Auntie Woon has carried with her ever since.

History Repeats Itself — With a Twist

Years later, with her parents and sister gone, Auntie Woon found herself alone in the struggle once again. The house had deteriorated, with rotting beams, cracked floors, and piles of recyclables scattered throughout — her only means of earning a living.

When Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim learned about her situation, he visited her home and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Anwar asked me to help.”

At that time, Sim had no idea that Anwar had already helped this very family decades earlier. Yet, driven by Anwar’s instruction, Sim and his team sprang into action. Within a month, they restored the home, transforming it into a comfortable and livable space.

From Shack to Sanctuary

When Sim returned to visit Auntie Woon, he jokingly remarked, “Your house now looks like a bungalow!”

Auntie Woon laughed, expressing disbelief that she could now live in such comfort. She then shared the story of Anwar’s first intervention 30 years ago, adding to Sim’s astonishment.

Sim assured her that although she didn’t live in his constituency, Anwar had personally directed him to ensure her family was taken care of.

Source : SAYS