Ani Arope, a warm-hearted man with integrity – Bernama
In spite of his firm demeanour, the late Tan Sri Dr Ani Arope will be remembered as a warm hearted and generous man who always cared for the people around him.
The former executive chairman of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) passed away today at the age of 82 and it was discovered that he had more than 50 adopted children, who are from various background and races.
His youngest son, Ismail, 42, said even the family did not know exactly the number of Ani's adopted children.
"He had so many adopted children, some are abroad. My late father loved to help people, especially to those who want to further their education," he said.
Ani died of prostate cancer at about 5.10am in Kuala Lumpur today. He is survived by wife, Puan Sri Saenah Ahmad, and three children, besides the adopted children.
He was buried at the Shah Alam Muslim cemetery in Section 21.
According to Ismail, Ani did not tell the family about him having cancer and that they only found out about it in 2010 and at that time he was diagnosed with fourth stage cancer.
Since then, family members always spent time with him and the most memorable time we had was when we performed the umrah as a family in 2011, he added.
It was like Ani knew the end was near for him that in one of his Facebook postings last June 6, he wrote: "Prostate cancer patients have an average lifespan of five years. Statistically speaking it would be my time to go by December. Just watch me."
Those who used to work with him when he helmed TNB as executive chairman from 1992 to 1996, remembered him as a man who was firm and with integrity.
Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager Datuk Seri Azman Ujang had the opportunity to interview Ani on the serious power failure which hit the peninsula in the early 1990s.
"The news I wrote made it to the front page of most newspapers. At that time, Ani was adamant in rejecting the establishment of IPPs (independent power producers)," said Azman.
He hoped Ani's character could be emulated by high-ranking officers in government-linked companies.
"I will never forget his forthrightness in giving his views without fear or favour. We hope others would emulate his integrity in discharging their duties for the country," said Azman, adding that Ani was also full of humour.
Ani, who graduated with a Master of Science (Agronomy and Production Economics) from the University of Vermont in the United States of America in 1966, began his career as an agronomist in the Agriculture Department, and then moved on as deputy director of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) before being appointed as director of the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM).
Ani's other appointments included as chairman of Bank Simpanan Nasional and group chief executive of Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd.
His personal assistant, Rahimah Batcher, 63, described him as firm, but a caring person who was always concerned with the welfare of his employees.
"Although he was fierce at times, he can be very friendly and often mingled with employees, regardless of their ranks. I regarded him as my own father," she said.
It was Ani's firm and friendly nature that had compelled Rahimah to remain faithful and continue serving her employer for 41 years until today.
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Omar Osman said when Ani was chairman of USM Board of Directors, he was jovial, high-spirited and well-loved by everyone in the campus.
"He was a man of character with vast experience and always contributed new ideas," he said, adding that the development at USM was spearheaded by Ani.
When "Memoirs of Tan Sri Ani Arope" was launched in 2013, Ani said what prompted him to produce the book was the episode he went through while undergoing medical examination for the purpose of renewing his flying licence.
He said that at the end of the medical examination, the doctor told him "You have cancer".
The 143-page memoir describes his life after being diagnosed with cancer, besides narrating his personal journey since his school days.
Since the news of his death, his Facebook page was inundated with condolence messages.
Rozina Mohd Ramli wrote "Al-Fatihah, great man. May you be calm and at peace. Thanks for everything. You were an inspiration."
"You will be sorely missed, TS... Rest...Malaysia was very fortunate to have you for awhile," said David Chong on the page. – Bernama, December 20, 2014.
