This Malaysian's Name Is Proton Saga And He Named His Child Viva
It's not a joke.
By Tang Ruxyn — 15 Mar 2017, 12:21 PM
Meet Proton Saga Kelambu. He is an Orang Asli in Trolak, Perak.
Proton Saga was born on 6 August 1984, about 11 months before the Proton Saga car model was launched in July 1985.
It is understood that the name 'Proton Saga Kelambu' gained attention when a photo of the name sighted on a BR1M (1Malaysia People's Aid) offer letter went viral on social media recently.
So, what's the story behind this unique name?
It happened about 33 years ago when Proton Saga's father, Kelambu Jambi, was confused because he did not have any idea what to name his child as he was illiterate.
Then, the name came about at the suggestion of a fellow police officer that he met at the National Registration Department (JPN) when he was about to register a name for his son.
"I did not know what name to put at that time, and somebody suggested Proton Saga. I thought it was good, so I just went with it," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
But Kelambu finds no shame in naming his son after the first Malaysian car produced by the national carmaker, Proton
Kelambu and his wife, Jamaliah Dua, said that they do not regret the choice of the name given to their eldest son, and even feel proud every time someone mentions his name.
"It was indeed quite awkward in the beginning but over time we became used to it. Outsiders who heard my son's name for the first time said that it is unique and very good. As a father, of course I am proud," Kelambu said.
Proton Saga, who is known as 'Alor' among his friends, said that none of his friends ever mocked or ridiculed his name even though they knew that his name is the name of a car.
"I do not mind, why should I be ashamed or shy? If people ask name, I'll tell them my real name," the 33-year-old reportedly said.
It's no secret that Proton Saga takes pride in his own name because he named his child 'Viva'!
He followed his father's footsteps and his eldest child was named after the car produced by Perodua in May 2007.
It is said that the name was proposed by a nurse in Tapah.
"Like my father, at that time I did not know what name I should give to my child. Incidentally, a nurse came to check on my wife. She gave a suggestion to name the child Viva. My wife and I thought it was unique and immediately agreed," Proton Saga told Sinar Harian.
Proton Saga also has another child named Sani, who turns one this year.
Proton Saga (right) with his wife, Rodiah Yok Ramu, and their second child, Sani, at their home in Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Jentong.
Image via Sinar Harian