He does not leap off buildings nor does he try to save the world but to his wife and two sons, Muhamat Jusli, 41, is a hero nonetheless - an everyday hero who takes responsibility for his life and his family’s.

One who tirelessly does his best and stands up to life's constant challenges.

With his vocational and industrial training, Jusli works as a facility officer in a mall. He often clocks in 12-hour shifts or more, sometimes even over the weekends.

But this is not an issue. Muhamat’s humble background has taught him to appreciate the merits of a stable job. He takes pride in his occupation and is not afraid of a little hard work to provide for his family.

Life’s Tough Lessons

Jusli and his four siblings did not finish primary school. They all had to start work at a young age. Jusli’s father held several odd jobs after an early retirement. Even with his pension and a mosque handout, it was hardly enough to feed a large family of seven.

Jusli recalls, “Life was difficult back then. I remember asking for a toy gun and getting a beating from Mum for wanting something we couldn’t afford.”

Struggling to make ends meet seemed to be the running theme right up to when Jusli married Suhana Sabtu when he was 24 and she, 19.

Suhana, now 38 and a part-time domestic helper, recounts, “When we first started out as a young couple, I’d walk everywhere instead of taking the bus. I remember holding my first born in hand and having only $0.20 in my pocket. We had to make every cent count.”

The Importance of Education

Both Suhana and Jusli regret not studying harder and keep reminding their children of the importance of a good education.

“I dropped out of school in Secondary 1 and only have a PSLE certificate. I left school by choice because I wanted to help my family financially. But it was a wrong decision. What can I do with just a PSLE cert? “said Suhana.

“I now know that a good education is very important. That’s why I won’t allow my children to even miss a day of school,” she added.

That is also why, whatever extra the Muhamats have, they invest in their children.

“We send them for tuition. And every day, I’ll call to check that they finish their school work. I want them to have a better life than me,” said the concerned Jusli.

Older son, Shafiq, 17, explained what spurs him on in his studies, “Dad is quite strict and has high expectations of us, and challenges us to always do better than the last time. And I make sure I work hard to prove to him that I’m capable of better.”

Younger son, Shaqir, 13, was quick to add that he is motivated to work hard, looking at how hard his father works.

Every Minute Counts

Since Jusli works long hours, husband and wife exchange lots of phone calls. Constant communication and feedback between the pair are essential to make up for the lack of contact time. Even now, Suhana and the children go to the mall Jusli works to have meals together.

“I really appreciate my wife and am a very lucky man. Suhana would be back from work by afternoon, and our children would have someone to welcome them home with a warm meal,” said Jusli.

Shafiq concurred with his dad, “I consider us to be very lucky because I have friends who return to an empty home, and have to go out to get food. I feel that my parents are always there for me and my brother.”

For almost two months now, the Muhamats have been fishing on most weekends at Changi and Labrador.

“I have to make more time for my children. They are growing up fast. Since starting this family activity, I’ve noticed we’ve become much closer,” said Jusli.

Advice for Young Couples

Among his friends, Jusli was the first to get married and have children. There are benefits to settling down early, but Jusli wants to share with young couples that the journey as a family requires a lot work.

It is not just about planning for a wedding but what comes after that. He advises young men to have a stable job and be financially sensible and independent.

“In the early days, we only had a TV, washing machine and fridge, and everybody who came over to our house commented on how empty our home was. But we had to be sensible. We neither wanted to get into debt nor live on handouts.”

Even today, the Muhamats are careful with their money. Entering their beautiful 4-room flat, one cannot tell which pieces of furniture are hand-me-downs.

It is probably this sensible attitude coupled with the willingness to hard work that helped the Muhamats overcome poverty to create more financially stable and comfortable circumstances for themselves.

An everyday hero, Muhamat Jusli has indeed made one giant leap for his family and himself.

 

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About the Author: The DadsforLife Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.

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