THE ISSUES

The truth is not always worth knowing

• Ayah wants Fariza to adore him as her hero, so when she asks for the truth he is afraid that Fariza will lose the trust towards him

“Fariza, the truth isn’t always worth knowing. Don’t leave me.” As I sobbed – the sobs of a foolish old man – she replaced the receiver.”

Page 36 : Line 26 – Line 28

• Omar knows what Ayah has done that makes him loses his respect towards Ayah

“He looked at me directly – something he’d never done in the past. He was only a driver, after all. His eyes were fiery and red – burning with contempt. His mouth was curled into a sneer as he repeated the phrase one last time, lingering on the word ‘dog’.”

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True Colour will be revealed in desperation

• Ayah’s true colour is revealed during the incident when he is on his way to Penang with Nazrin and Omar. He is actually different from the image that people view him as which he is a respectable figure.

“Drive on, Omar!” I demanded.“Tuan, how can I? The woman is injured. I must go and see to her.” Ignoring me, he pushed his door open and ran back to where her body was lying….Page 43: Line 10 – Line 14

The act of patriotism of a man

• Ayah is a dedicated civil servant that serves the country at his best.

“Omar, I think we will have to make up the time lost,” I said firmly from the back of the car. “We are late. We are supposed to be in Georgetown by tomorrow. Nazrin you must rest now but you must watch the time more carefully. We have serious responsibilities. The nation cannot afford delays.”

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The act of loyalty

• Hang Tuah from the folklore is the symbol of loyalty. He is loyal towards the Sultan until he tries to kill his own friend, Hang Jebat.

“I stopped for no man. I had to press on. Hang Tuahwould have approved of me. I never questioned. Iacted on instructions whatever the consequence.”

Page 34, line 4

• Ayah, who is given the task to deliver an important document tries his best to settle the task although there are a lot of challenges including leaving Nazrin who gets beaten by the villagers.“It’s too late, we can’t wait for him, Omar. Go!” With

that command I reached forward from the back seat and released the hand brake myself. Pushing Omar sharply with my hand I forced him to drive off. It was just then, as we were speeding off, gathering momentum that Omar saw him, this boy that had been so swiftly discarded.”

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