By Aqilah Bahar
Is a sense of altruism and kindness rare? When everything in this world revolves around capitalist thinking and political influences, breaking out of the bubbles and standing for your own beliefs and sentiments require strength.
To have a sense of altruism when power and greed make up a big part of the spectrum takes a solid stance of moral approach. All it takes is an intangible strength that takes years of effort to build one which not everyone is capable of.
But that does not mean it is rare. Scattered? Yes, in the sense that not everyone has it but never rare. As hard as it is made to be sound, kindness and altruism are seen and sometimes heard.
In times of pandemic where everyone is navigating through rough times, being kind becomes ten times harder. While this statement is arguable and you might say hard times does not give anyone the ticket to be less emphatic, it is important to take into context where you stand and speak from.
Does your opinion reek of privilege or is it a blind guess? Some are too caught up with making ends meet they have no space and mental capacity to show a kind act.
Some are trying to survive with all they have on top of frustration, fear and exhaustion while another half are occupied with their own personal agenda and greed for power. Nevertheless, each one of us is fighting for and against something.
The whole concept of being selfless is always easier to be framed into minds but can be hard for some to be practised in life. However, this has never been an issue for this one famous figure, judging from what has been portrayed.
Known to many as a freelance preacher and a powerhouse name in charity works, Ebit Lew has never failed to appear on the trending list for his generosity and act of kindness that knows no boundary.
His act of giving and generous heart have made into the headlines more than you can think of that another feature story of him might just pass by in an instance. Regardless, a selfless act must be made known, not to glorify but to remind the importance of kindness in difficult situations.
A preacher, entrepreneur and undoubtedly an influencer to a large number of followers on Instagram, ustaz Ebit Lew goes way and beyond to help people in need. Always easy to be reached out and immediately reacted upon a call of help, the public would always think of him in situations that require help and financial assistance.
He started to be active on instagram in 2016 and since then has made countless donations to the poor and less privilege. He preaches not through his words but portrays through his actions and noble characters, that make him likeable.
œDifficult situations are a sign of Allahs love for us. Pray for what is good for them – Ustaz Ebit Lew
Apart from narrations of his journey to reach out to people in need, most of his Instagram postings are all about love and peace and inviting his followers to pray for others. His selfless act started from a young age, which raised questions among people around him.
œWhat will he do later in life? Will anyone ever hire him with his messy appearance? These are the boggling questions that he had been fed with.
He prevailed, travelled across countries and made name for himself as a motivational speaker. Not only is he known for his commendable journey as a speaker and preacher, he is also a Managing Director for Transform Training and Consultancy.
With the support he received from his business ventures, he gives back to the society in every possible means. When one is showered with money and endless sustenance, it is easy for them to stray away from their initial sentiments. Ustaz Ebit Lew, however, rather not follow that path.
Another well-known person that has often been the talk of the town and has built a reputation in charity works is none other than Kuan Chee Heng, affectionately known as Uncle Kentang.
He is labelled as the folk hero and champion for the poor by Free Malaysia Today for his contribution towards the less fortunate. Since the start of movement control order (MCO) in March, Kuan Chee Heng has been more encouraged than ever to help the needy.
With his endless effort and passion, all forms of assistance were given to ensure the survival rates of the poor. Even before the pandemic he has often made headlines for renting out van jenazah to help the Muslims who cannot afford one for themselves – all this while being a non Muslim.
He represents kindness through character and proves that kindness knows no religion and transcends humanity.
As a former police officer, he reminded people to look out and care after themselves and their families by taking precautionary measures.
œSome people are still seen without mask and that could be a threat to others. BERNAMA (Malaysia’s national news agency) recently reported Uncle Kentang’s comments on peoples behaviour towards pandemic.
He proceeded by saying, œIf you dont care enough for yourself to follow all the precautionary steps, you also dont care for your family.
These two figures are raising awareness from their documented charity works, hoping that more can lend a helping hand to get through these tough times.
They are definitely the gems that people need more than anything. But are they the hidden gems? I would say no. Yes, they show exemplary characters but they are definitely not hidden among society.
When we speak about altruism and kindness, it is not always the extravagant. The mindset of wishing to be rich so you can start helping others is not really it.
Kindness can be those who when they see people trying to make a living under the pouring rain, they wish them success. Kindness is as simple as getting help for the needy through words and retweets. Kindness is the intention of wanting and wishing good upon others. Kindness is having pure intention to be better not necessarily for others but for yourself.
It can be people who take time to step out of their comfort zone to help those in poverty-stricken areas, showing an act of altruism which does not necessarily be through financial means.
Hidden gems are these kind of people. People who continue to help without being seen and heard, and hidden gems are each one of us who prays for the well-being of others.***
(This article is written as part of individual assignment series for Feature Writing class)