1. On 5 May 2009, on a bright sunny day, my MD, GM and myself, met with Tun M at his office on the 86th Floor of the Petronas Twin Towers. All these years, I have never visited the Twin Towers nor the Sky Bridge.
2. After checking in with the counter at Ground Zero, we were first brought up to the 83rd floor by an officer, had a wait until time, we were then invited up to the 86th floor.
3. We were brought to a big conference room with simple interiors filled with a long table guarded by at least 20 chairs surrounding it. Not too big of a room considering that the 86th floor is almost the tip of the Twin Towers.
4. 5 minutes later, we were invited by Tun's secretary/ assistant to Tun's office, walking passed an oval shaped-like room with sofa chairs on both sides. I can't remember much of this oval room as my eyes were on the 2 nearing figures.
5. Tan Sri Rashid H, the man who unconditionally helped to set up this meeting, introduced us to Tun. Looking cheerful, Tun was smiling during the introduction and invited us to sit at his working desk.
6. There were only 3 chairs in front of Tun's desk insufficient for 4 persons. Hence, I was requested to sit at the rear of the office room. Upon hearing that, Tun said no and directed the Sec to slot in another chair right in front of his desk. I was very moved by his gesture, from an ever charismatic leader.
7. Tun is still very much in great shape for his age at 84. Contrary to what we see on TV or the Powers he holds, Tun has a small physical presence. He speaks slow but I feel that it is not due to his age but his calmness when addressing people.
8. On his desk, to his right, is filled with documents and a copy of the Star newspaper. I was sitting to his left, where the computer monitor and the Astro remote control were right in front of me. At the back of Tun is the skyline of KL and the sight of the other tower - the view of his achievements since 1981.
9. Meeting lasted about 25 minutes. Tun M said he will see what he can do to help us. My GM and I failed to achieve our personal objective - to take a picture with Tun M. But, at least, we got to meet Tun in-person at his beloved Twin Towers.
10. One of the highlights in my life.
