TELUK INTAN: Religious differences have proven not be a barrier for Mohd Rosli Mohamed Taib over the past 33 years, as far as his relationship with his aunt and uncle is concerned.
He lost his mother to breast cancer then and his aunt, Lee Mee Lan, and late uncle Koh Tat Mun, became his "parents".
So close are they that Rosli refers to Mee Lan as "mama".
"I don't consider her just an aunt but more like my own mother. I've relied on her love and care ever since my mum passed away from breast cancer," he said.
Rosli, affectionately known as Lee by others, was also close to his late uncle, Koh Tat Mun, whom he referred to as "uncle."
Although he did not live with them, Rosli spent much of his time at his aunt and uncle's home during his school days, which helped him become fluent in Cantonese.
He said his aunt and uncle treated him and his siblings as their own children, and religious differences were never an issue to begin with.
"My father is Malay, and my mum was Chinese and the sister of my uncle, so I grew up in a mixed-marriage family.
"My family home wasn't far from my uncle and mama's house. I would often go there after school while waiting for my father and mum to return from work.
"In the evenings, I would go back home. That was my daily routine with my brother and sister. Sometimes, we would even spend the night at mama and uncle's house, which is why we became so close," he said.
Rosli added that his aunt and uncle's family deeply respected him as a Muslim, ensuring there were no conflicts in their relationship as they understood what was permissible and prohibited in Islam.
"They treated me well. My late uncle, who was an English teacher, was a strict person, especially when it came to education. He taught me and my siblings just like his own children.
"Both uncle and mama always reminded me about praying and fasting. They also understood what is halal and haram and made sure the foods and drinks were separated accordingly."
Rosli fondly recalled his happiest childhood memories of outings with his uncle and aunt.
"I feel lucky because every year, I get to celebrate both Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year," he said.
Rosli said his uncle passed away about three years ago, but he and his family have maintained close contact with his aunt, even after she moved to Kuala Lumpur.
"When uncle was still alive, and mama lived nearby, my family and I would always visit them.
"After my uncle's passing, mama moved in with her child in Kuala Lumpur. But whenever I have free time, I take my wife and children to visit her.
"We still gather during Chinese New Year celebrations, and mama calls me almost every day to check on us because she loves my children so much," he said.
Rosli expressed his hope that his strong bond with his aunt will continue for many years to come.