Being a good friend and a guardian for Ana Jean, now Fatwannah who has just embraced the Muslim faith, has been a joy to me. I've never thought the life of this domestic violence victim and a brave mother of five Malaysian kids would change so fast. Being a Filipino who has stayed in Malaysia for 13 years, married here , suffered through years of hardship of financial problems, mental torture, physical and verbal abuse ,yet she struggled and continued to search for help. I could consider myself fortunate as well as I had the opportunity to rescue her from her violent alcoholic and irresponsible ex-husband.
Her successful fight for her freedom ,her rights , and a guarantee for a better future for all her children deserves a credit. Ana is a determined woman and she will not let anyone get in her way to destroy her life and that of her children's. I too couldn't be successful in helping her if not for the legal aid provided by the NGO I am from. Her ex-husband was charged under Akta Keganasan Rumah Tangga 1994 for abusing and causing injuries to her.
In the beginning, the first court order barred him from entering her rented house and demanded he provide her with monthly maintenance but that didn't work. Finally, a harsher order came and that was finally understood but still there was no maintenance. Well, life had to go on and Ana successfully made ends meet with her effort in conducting tuition classes , cleaning a local club and houses.
Her circle of friends grew bigger and she was shown concern and love by some who invited her to join a scheme which helped her made small loans and she could get her driving and motorbike licenses. Whatever she did she discussed with me and I have been there for her. It was getting a new bike that allowed her to travel to the private religious school to teach. A Christian teaching in a muslim school. It was no problem for her and she adapted well with the love and caring attitude towards her , it was happiness and peace she felt. No matter what people will say or think it doesn't matter to her. I understand her feelings and I already noticed she is happy working there. In her heart she has been interested in Islam for some time back. She has opened her heart and mind wholy to accept this faith. Who can be happier than me when I learned about the good news. Yet, I was the last to know about it as she's afraid she'll lose me as a friend as I might object to her decision. Well, I am open-minded and will approve of any wonderful plan for a brighter future for her and her kids.
Finally, it was all done and according to the Islamic law, her children follows her but the eldest who is bigger is allowed to make a choice for the moment. I witnessed the ceremony and shed some tears, tears of joy that my charge has already got a beautiful plan for her future with her children. They will be brought up with love and care and grow up disciplined and become successful one day. Without her own family members in Malaysia, she has been bullied but now she has a new family, loved and accepted and there is a sense of security.
She will soon enjoy her permanent status which means at last after 13 years she will receive her identity card. She is going to put her past behind her and hope her new life is brighter and more peaceful. Whatever happens, I'll still be there for her. Hers is a motivational story for all domestic violence victims to survive , fight for freedom and their rights. They have to be aware that police and medical reports must be made and get legal aid with the help of N.G.O.s and Social Welfare Department. They themselves are responsible for their own future and it is no use blaming but be determined to struggle and achieve results.
All I can say is I respect any religion that teaches us to do good and we humans are the same. We shouldn't be segregating, differentiating, discriminating people. Mustn't be egoistic, selfish, jealous, hateful or revengeful. I would like to thank many of my Muslim friends from those younger days until now, those who invited me to embrace Islam. I truly appreciate it, I do. However, I have chosen this middle path of Buddhism, the teachings of Lord Buddha and I am happy as I am . I wish my dear friend Fatwana and her family a happy future.
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