KUALA LUMPUR: Hui Xin, a hearing-impaired climber, paid a heartfelt tribute to missing Everest climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim, reflecting on their friendship and the impact Hawari had on her life and the deaf community.
Hui and Hawari shared a bond that spanned 18 years, marked by their mutual love for climbing.
"Hawari is a favourite student and liked by many because he is a good, funny and light-hearted person.
"He also shares a lot of knowledge, tips and experiences about climbing and nature.
"I am grateful for the guidance and training I received from Hawari.
"He attempted to climb Mount Everest in 2022 but couldn't reach the summit due to bad weather before it was postponed to this year.
"He once mentioned that I would undergo training with him and if I am confident in my abilities, it would contribute to the success of the climbing expedition," she said when contacted via WhatsApp today.
The Malaysian Everest 2023 (ME 2023) mission saw Hawari, an accomplished hearing-impaired climber, attempt to conquer Mount Everest.
He was reported missing (insert hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/911517/malaysian-mountaineer-...) after reaching the summit on May 19.
Hui expressed her deep sadness and hopes for his swift discovery so that he can be reunited with his loved ones.
"He is an inspiration to me and the deaf community and his success has also encouraged me to face future personal challenges," says Hui, who herself achieved a significant milestone as the first deaf woman in Malaysia to climb and conquer Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in 2019.
