PENANG, 24 September 2013 - The sacrifice of parents to children is priceless. From the time we are born until we breathe the last breath, we should be loyal and loving them as much as we can.

Mat Taib Husin, 66, sacrificed to ensure his child received a proper education. Mat Taib continued his studies in Form One at the age of 24 after getting a permanent job at Port Klang Authority, Klang, Selangor.

However, with the enthusiasm and persistence to pursue knowledge, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree despite encountering difficulty in undertaking distance education for seven years.

“Although it is time consuming, I feel very grateful and elated that I have achieved my ambition. I would like to thank my wife, Maznah Bahari, 58, who have stood by me until I received the scroll just like my daughter,” said Mat Taib after the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 48th convocation today.

According to him, the secrets to success are indefatigable efforts and prayers. Having to study on your own, I have to read many articles as well as academic and social papers to increase knowledge.

“Fortunately I am a scripture and academic literature seller, therefore it is easy for me to search for references and also fill my free time by reading,” said Mat Taib who had to leave his wife for three weeks in every semester to attend induction classes in Penang because his only child, Mazlia Aini, is teaching in Kuala Lumpur.

“I feel very proud of my daughter and her spirit of achievement because she was the one who helped me to keep fighting to acquire knowledge and feel that age is not a barrier to achieving success,” added Mat Taib.

Also celebrating the success were mother and daughter, Azima Hassan, 50, and Ainur Natasha Ruslan, 25, who graduated in Management and Communications respectively.

Azima is a Matron at USM Pusat Sejahtera while Ainur is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Communication at USM's School of Communication.

“The encouragement of our children is the driving force of my success to spend four years in distance learning. Not forgetting the sacrifice of my husband, Ruslan Harun, who managed the kids while I was studying,” said Azima who had five children and her second child is in the second year pursuing a medical degree at USM Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.

“I feel so proud and my mother has always been my role model. Being able to graduate at the same time with her is a bonus and a double success celebration,” said Ainur. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa