Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar 

NOORAZLAN Ismail got what he wanted: public attention and the golden opportunity to drive a message home to Istana Negara.

The taxi driver made good on his pledge to walk from Skudai in Johor to Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur with a mission to send a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, requesting the government to allow him as well as others to have another round of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal in order to help tide him over.

In other words, he literally walked the talk.

To be sure, his demand is well supported by the sympathetic Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition, which argues that the financially strapped ought to be provided with money they desperately need.

Of course, such a narrative runs counter to the unity government’s contention, which is that the people should not be allowed to further dip into their depleting savings in EPF meant for their retirement. It is feared such a populist move would jeopardise their days of growing old.

Be that as it may, Noorazlan’s accomplishment is more than just being able to express his plight through his more-than-300km walk.

Irrespective of whether we agree with his view about the EPF withdrawal, at the very least the 49-year-old deserves our respect for the fact that he was able to reach his destination while fasting at the same time.

That is no ordinary feat as the determined walk under trying circumstances could serve as one of the biggest tests during Ramadan.

Surely it takes grit and steely resolve to brave the blistering heat, pouring rain, pesky mosquitoes and other insects at night, lingering thirst for water, the hazard of walking along busy highways and other challenges along the way.

Which is why the chuckle from certain observers and cynics about the quick time he took to complete his walk is obviously misplaced and mischievous.

Noorazlan managed to complete his walk in five days and five hours (from March 28 to April 3), much of which had deprived him of his precious sleep and much-needed rest. It is hoped he had time for sahur (meal before the start of fasting).

Given his sterling performance, there have already been calls to encourage him to enter international walkathons in a big way – and perhaps forget about driving a taxi again.

Any insinuation Noorazlan faked his long walk should be brushed aside, as he could not have consciously misled the people, especially during Ramadan.

As we all know, Muslims are not allowed to lie or deceive, among many other things, during the holy month.

Not that it is kosher for them to do so for the rest of the year, although a number of them do bluff almost every other day.

Moreover, Noorazlan did the protest walk not only to draw attention to his plight but also the hardships of others. Indeed, a personal sacrifice for the larger good.

Besides, his pledge to walk is not the kind that sounds so incredulous as to cause snigger, like making a vow to run around Putrajaya naked should Anwar Ibrahim become prime minister because you are against him.

The tired Noorazlan should thank his lucky stars to have bumped into the top guns of Bersatu and certain affiliated civil society groups at the gates of Istana Negara, whose concerns resonate with him.

In fact, such a pleasant coincidence lends credence to Bersatu’s battle cry for compassion, empathy and justice for the struggling Malay poor.

It is also heartening to see the taxi driver all dressed up for the important appointment on the day he just finished his walk – as opposed to a dishevelled look.

Once again, he should count his blessings as he was able to wear a decent blazer and a neck tie for the formal occasion, and a songkok to boot.

You would hazard a guess a good Samaritan must have had a fitting blazer and a headgear to spare as Noorazlan could not have lugged them all along his arduous journey. Travelling light was the only option.

It’s friends like these – who would not think twice about helping in various ways – who made his exhausting journey bearable and worth the sweat and tears.

The father of five knows there is really “a larger reason” for the walk. – April 7, 2023.