KUCHING: The passing of prominent economic analyst, the late Associate Professor Dato Dr Madeline Berma has been deeply felt by family members.
The late Dato Dr Madeline’s cousin, Calvert Brayan, still remembers her words during their meeting in Kuala Lumpur two weeks ago.
He said the late Dato Dr Madeline had advised him to take care of himself and his sister who was close to her.
"Her message was, if I'm not here, who will take care of the late Dato Dr Madeline’s younger brother because financially, she has always assisted us and our family.
"That's what she told me, so her passing is a big loss for us and our family," he said when met at the late Dato Dr Madeline’s residence in Siol Kandis on Thursday.
Recalling the late Dato Dr Madeline’s experience as a researcher, he remembered someone who always went down to the field to conduct research because he used to accompany the late Dato Dr Madeline to observe how she interviewed people personally.
Calvert also always supported the late Dato Dr Madeline’s personal opinions despite criticism by the public because she understood the actual situation of the people, especially rural residents.
Recalling her last message, the late Dato Dr Madeline advised to maintain the importance of education and practical skills, as well as to always be involved in learning, including music and other skills.
"Her last message to me and her grandchildren was to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or practical skills if they didn’t excel in theoretical studies, because these skills are crucial for the future of employment.
"She saw the future and gave practical advice based on experience and observation," he said.
Meanwhile, another cousin of the late Dato Dr Madeline, Nur Amni Amelia Abdullah described her as a very humble person besides considering her as a mother figure to all the cousins.
She explained that the late Dato Dr Madeline always gave advice, and the two most memorable messages were not to judge someone based on their appearance, and to refrain from being too vocal when working.
"We need to know when is the right time to speak up and when to calm down.
"She gave me this advice because I went through a phase where I shared too much on social media, and she told me not to be too open and keep a little to myself," she explained.
She also considered Dato Dr Madeline as a family unifier where her presence would fill the space in the house with the presence of other family members.
Her last message Nur Amni remembered was to ensure everyone celebrated Christmas merrily, and to have family gatherings as much as possible. -UKASnews
Reporter: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Nerissa Sia
