"U don't know Dollah Kassim"

As mentioned earlier, I came across a blog entitled "U don't know Dollah Kassim" which paid tribute to Dollah Kassim, one of Singapore's finest footballers ever. I wrote to the author of the blog, Ding, who happens to be the director of the local move "Kallang Roar", telling him about my encounter with Dollah. Ding kindly suggested for me to write to Ezaad, Dollah's son, which I did. Ezaad then wrote a very warm e-mail to me. The whole exchange is as follows:

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Hi Ezaad,

You do not know me, but I got to know about you through Directorr Ding.

When researching for materials to write my blog "Tales for my Kids", I came across Ding's touching tribute to your dad - the Great Dollah Kassim - and I shared with him a personal anecdote about your dad. Ding replied me and he thought it would be nice for me to share this anecdote with you.

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It was 1995. My dad just passed away for a few months. It was him who brought me to my first football match at the National Stadium where Singapore beat Pahang (or Penang) 5-0. It must have been in 1976, 1977 or 1978, I can't remember now. Dollah was one of my childhood heroes together with Quah Kim Song (whom my dad taught when he was a teacher at Naval Base Secondary School), Rajagopal (his famed Banana Kick) and Mohamed Noh, etc.

My mum and I were at a supermarket at Upper Serangoon (near where the Hougang MRT station is now) when we bumped into Dollah shopping with his family. Although he looked older than I last saw him (on TV or papers), I recognized him straightaway. I was very excited to see my childhood hero, and yet was too shy to greet him. I just exclaimed to my mum, "I think I just saw Dollah Kassim!" I think Dollah heard me, because when we walked past him shortly after, he gave me a smile. It really made my day!
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I am sorry to know about your dad's condition. In this trying time, I hope you would find solace in knowing that your dad was, and is, and will always be a hero to hundreds and thousands of boys of my generation (I'm 39 this year), regardless whether we are Chinese, Indians or Malays. His status transcends the divide in race, language or religion, and whether you support Liverpool or Manchester United (I'm a Red Devil. hehe).

Whatever your dad epitomized in the bygone era - his never-say-die attitude, pride, self-sacrifice - can hardly be found in Singapore these days. To remember him is to remember the Age of Innocence that many of us, the remaining level-headed, down-to-earth and humanity-loving Singaporeans, are missing.

Lastly, I want to wish you all the best and that your dad will wake up soon.



Warmest regards,
Tan Kar Gee
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Hi Kar Gee.. it's nice to receive ur mesg. My family and I are very thankful for the kind words and well wishes. I'll be reading this mail out to my dad and I know he'll forever be grateful to you for always having him in your thots and prayers. Thanks so much again and do take care...

Regards,
Ezaad