Last week, I listened to an episode of The Game of Impossible, hosted by Idris Jala and his son, Leon. Their guest for the day was none other than Khairy Jamaluddin, podcaster of Keluar Sekejap and former MOSTI Minister.
In the episode, they discussed KJ’s role at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially how efficiently he and his team rolled out the national vaccination programme. But what KJ said at the end of the episode stirred up a memory for me.
When asked by Leon about the kind of legacy he hoped to leave behind, KJ paused and said that if he could be remembered for just one thing, he’d want it to be summed up in one word: HELPFUL. He wanted to be remembered as a helpful guy. Someone who showed up. Someone who made things better when it counted.
The moment I heard that, I knew I had to write this post.
KJ in one of his many press briefings. In my personal opinion, Khairy Jamaluddin performed extremely well as the Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme and my family is forever grateful for that.
When my daughter Myra was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in early 2021, the country was deep in the grip of Covid. KJ was then serving as the Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, and the whole nation was scrambling to secure vaccination slots on the MySejahtera app. We were scrambling too. Except, for us, it wasn’t just about staying safe. It was about ensuring our daughter’s survival.
Because Myra was undergoing chemotherapy, her immune system was severely compromised. If Covid entered our home, it could be fatal for her. We were desperate to get vaccinated. But like so many others, we couldn’t get a slot. Then, as a last-ditch effort, my ex emailed KJ directly. He explained our situation and asked if he could help us. That was on Tuesday, June 15.
The very next day, someone from KJ’s team called us. They asked if we could make it for vaccination on the following day (Thursday). We said yes immediately. And just like that, on June 17, both my ex and I were vaccinated.
We never caught Covid during the 6–7 months Myra was undergoing chemo. (She did catch it months later, post-recovery and it was mild.)
Of course, we were ridiculously careful: masks on at all times, taking the stairs instead of the lift, sanitising like mad. But having those early vaccinations gave us a fighting chance. It helped protect us so that we could protect our daughter when her body couldn’t protect itself. And for that, I will forever be grateful.
So today, I want to give a quiet, heartfelt thank you to KJ and his awesome team for being responsive, organised, efficient, and yes, HELPFUL. (I know you like that word, KJ.)
What you did may have saved this family from losing a child. And when people lament that Malaysia lacks quality politicians, I will tell them this story. Because once, we had one who showed up. Who had a team he (and the Rakyat) could count on. Who got things done when it mattered. And if you ever decide to run for Prime Minister one day, you have my vote.
Thank you, sir Khairy Jamaluddin.
If you’d like to listen to the full episode of that podcast:
#61: Leading in Crisis and Rating the MADANI Government (feat. Khairy Jamaluddin)
👉 Watch it here
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