Michael Jackson makes me smile

So Michael Jackson was buried yesterday (early this morning Malaysian time). Finally, we could say our farewell. Finally, it was time to let go.

Yeah of course I like his songs. I grew up listening to them. I especially like 'Man In The Mirror'.

I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life
It's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

But it's not just his songs that make me smile: Michael Jackson was also a big part of how I ended up working at NST today. I am not kidding!

In 1996, I was a freshie at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. As with most first-year students, I was looking for a scholarship.

One day, I chanced upon a walk-in interview for an NST scholarship.

I gave it a try. One guy interviewed me. Two things I remember from that interview: first, the guy was all smiling, all laidback and made me feel at ease.

Second, I was the only computer science student who applied for that scholarship.

Soon afterwards, I was invited for a second interview at Balai Berita. This was when it got interesting.

There were five NST executives in the room. Five pairs of eyes looking at me.

One guy, who was sitting in the middle, said nothing throughout the interview. All he did was stare.

I was pretty sure that I didn't impress any of them.

To make matters worse, towards the end of the interview I was asked a current issues question.

"Apa dia event yang sedang berlaku sekarang nie yang orang betul-betul nak tahu, kalau boleh setiap minit kita nak tahu perkembangannya?" asked one of the execs (the interview was conducted in both English and BM).

I thought for a while, then suddenly remembered something and blurted out:

"Michael Jackson nak datang Malaysia ke?"

I must've seem so earnest, because immediately all of them, including the middle guy who said nothing, burst out laughing!

There was nothing wrong with that answer, because Michael Jackson really was coming to Malaysia. But it wasn't the answer they were looking for.

"American presidential election lah. Apalah kamu nie," said the exec, still laughing.

I think when I left the room, they were still laughing.

And I thought well that was it -- I just blew my chances at getting an NST scholarship.

Which is why, it was indeed a pleasant surprise to learn some time later that I actually got it!

Thirteen years down the road, I am now working at the best job I can imagine.

Somehow, I felt Michael Jackson had a hand in it.